Transcripts: Essex County Council

1. In your opinion, what could schools do to become more eco-friendly? Should they?
   Schools should definitely try to become more eco-friendly ,not only will it help reduce the effects of climate change now, but the children learning about the issues now, will one day have their own houses and cars and have to decide how best to use them.
   Schools can take an informal approach like signing up the eco pledge, or try for Eco school status, there is also a scheme for Sustainable schools from the government.
2. What is the County's position on this? How important is it to County?
   The County Council has very ambitious targets in our 'Essex Works' Plan for reducing its own carbon emissions and those across the whole of Essex; if we are to achieve these it is vital that schools are included in the work. We really welcome that drive that YEA is bringing to this ECC priority.
3. Is there help available from the County? In what form?
   There is a wide variety of help available from County, for instance; the Highways Department run the safer journeys to schools scheme, which is about reducing the number of cars on the school journey; Asset management have recently produce a building management guide which provide help in reducing wasted heat and electricity. The Waste education team can help coordinate recycling collections by your local council, as well as provide lessons in school. The county supports Growing schools, and will advise on vegetable gardening, our school meals advisors will help source local food for the school cafeteria. We have an Environmental Education Officer called Jimmy Allan (01245 435869) who can provide guidance and advice. He has helped Schools to become designated as 'Eco Schools' and gets involved directly with schools and pupils.
4. Is it easy for schools to obtain help? (e.g. grants)
   Money is always in short supply, but being eco-friendly means that school can save money and use it elsewhere. When grant schemes become available we do our best to publicise them to relevant interested schools
5. Are schools well informed about the different packages available from the County?
   We need to do some work in joining up all the services that county offer, but individually all the things mentioned above and others are available to all schools.
6. Is there more the County could do to help schools looking to tackle these issues?
   There is always more that can be done, and by getting all the different parts of the council to work together great things can be achieved. We are doing teacher and governor training in many of these issues, and that is the beginning of more work.
7. Are the County buildings eco-friendly?
   County Hall has one of the largest Solar panel arrays in the country on its roof, the heating is provided by a combined heat and power plant which is very energy efficient, Council employees are conscientious about switching off computers and lights when they are not needed and a new wind turbine is being installed at the Park and Ride facility on the A12. All new buildings meet rigorous standards for insulation and carbon emissions. So we are doing what we can to make County buildings eco-friendly - yes. Many of our older school buildings are not eco-friendly as they were built before ecological standards were introduced. But recently we've made sure that all new school buildings are constructed sustainably and can be energy efficient. Our new primary school at White Notley is a shining example. All of secondary schools that will be rebuilt or refurbished under 'Building Schools for the Future' will meet high sustainability standards, as well as being better designed to meet young people's needs.

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