Hampton School becomes Carbon Neutral

Hampton School in South-West London is leading the way in reducing carbon emissions, by becoming the first school in the UK to be completely carbon neutral.

The independent boys school has worked on a number of initiatives to improve the school’s carbon footprint including:

• Appointment of an ‘Ecologist in Residence’
• A programme of guest speakers including Sir Menzies Campbell and Zac Goldsmith
• Allowing pupils to undertake ‘waste audits’ for the school to identify where further improvement can be made.

This current step to carbon neutrality ensures that all carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) produced by the school through its day-to-day running, flights and coach journeys for all schools trips and commuting to school via the school’s coach service, will be offset.

Working with Climate Care, a specialist in reducing GHGs through offsetting, the school will contribute to a three sustainable development projects:

• Renewable energy and efficiency schemes in South Africa
• Renewable energy and efficiency schemes in India and,
• Forest restoration in Uganda.

Launched on 25 September 2006 by Vince Cable MP, Shadow Chancellor for the Liberal Democrats, the school is a shining example of what can be achieved to help each individual think about their impact on the environment.

More information can be found here