A renewable energy company has launched an awards scheme at an Oxfordshire primary school to encourage environmental awareness and action.
Ridge Clean Energy has introduced the Climate Care Awards at Charlbury Primary School.
The awards aim to encourage sustainable living, improve awareness of climate change, and help people to foster an understanding of how they and their communities can contribute to the planet's wellbeing.
Children will be encouraged to team up with their classmates and families to calculate their carbon footprint and then take small measures to lessen this impact.
These steps may include turning off lights, buying second-hand items, or growing their own vegetables.
Initially starting with primary schools, the initiative will expand to include secondary schools, higher education institutions, and adult groups.
The awards focus on "Food, Travel, Home and Stuff", aligning with the Worldwide Fund for Nature's carbon calculator
The awards will offer three levels - Bronze (Awareness), Silver (Action), and Gold (Leadership).
Successful pupils will be awarded a badge at each level to acknowledge their achievements.
Marjorie Glasgow, co-founder and CEO of Ridge Clean Energy, said: "Climate change might seem like too big a challenge for any one individual to take on, especially a child, but we know that cutting down our individual carbon emissions does make a difference.
"We are thrilled to be encouraging younger schoolchildren to help us mitigate the effects of climate change through the Climate Care Awards, helping new generations shape the future of their planet.
"Ridge is happy to share the Climate Care Awards programme with other renewable companies and other groups who would like to take it to the schools in the communities they serve.”
Charlbury Primary School will start a weekly Climate Care Club to help children reach the award targets.
Participants will also engage in practical activities to develop an understanding of carbon footprints, carbon capture, and renewable energy.
Kirstie Mahony, year three teacher and sustainability lead at Charlbury Primary School, said: "We are delighted that Ridge Clean Energy have launched the Climate Care Awards here with us at Charlbury Primary School.
"Our pupils are passionate about the environment and want to do all they can to make a difference.
"The Climate Care Awards will show their commitment to the cause and allow them to lead by example.”
Ridge Clean Energy’s community partnership coordinator, Teresa Hall, said, "We’re excited to be working together with Charlbury Primary School to launch the awards.
"We know the pupils will meet the challenge set to them by the Awards with great enthusiasm.
"By bringing together education, community activism and carbon emission awareness, we stand a fighting chance to tackle climate change."
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