Visions 2045 – Schools as Drivers to Climate Neutrality in Cities

The European Union’s decision to become climate-neutral by 2050 requires a change in thinking. Among other factors, it is necessary to construct and use buildings in a climate-neutral manner. As school buildings are major emitters of carbon dioxide, these building types play a significant part in this sector. However, they can also serve as role models when it comes to designing climate-neutral buildings. At the same time, the school building as a place of education is predestined to jointly acquire knowledge about a climate-neutral lifestyle. Thus, a collaboration between schools and municipalities is not only essential in reaching climate targets within the building sector, but also contributes to making the transformation process last long-term by actively involving young people.

Primary school in Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Poland, EU_WrS.tm.pl via flickr_CC0

The project accompanied schools along their way to climate neutrality, turning them into drivers working towards the achievement of local climate goals. Schools are major emitters of carbon dioxide, but they are also educating our future generations. Thus, they should be more involved in promoting and guiding towards climate neutrality as well as in contributing to reducing the local carbon footprint within their function as role models. Based on this special intersection, multiple actors worked jointly on concepts for a much-needed transition. Climate checks as well as workshops creating a vision took place in the schools and contribute to developing action plans. Through collaborating with municipalities and other local initiatives these action plans in the form of roadmaps were put into practice. This is beneficial for the schools as well since they can establish a new local network with whom they are able to exchange experiences and continue implementing their climate goals in a participatory manner.

Schools as Catalysts for Climate-Neutral Cities: 12 schools in Bulgaria, Poland, and Slovenia developed plans with concrete steps to become active contributors to climate neutrality. These plans address key sources of emissions, such as heating and waste, and engage the entire school community. To support these and more schools, the project published practical manuals for schools and municipalities offering step-by-step guidance to help reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices. Available in five languages, the manuals empower schools to play an active role in municipal climate policy and inspire wider societal change.