SCHOOL CARBON FOOTPRINT

Toward Net Zero Carbon by 2050

The carbon footprint project was piloted in 2020 when we decided to estimate carbon emission reductions from our Waste Minimisation Project.  Through many discussions, we came up with a fun and interactive session that allowed us to present the results to the teachers and students. Using one-cubic-meter models and the comparison of the volumes between the emission reductions generated by schools and the concrete used to build the SkyCity Auckland – Sky Tower, we were able to show the schools their impacts on the world around them.

IMAGE: (left) the one-cubic-metre model; (right) Award ceremony (click here for our Carbon Certificate example)

In late November 2020, we made a keynote speech at our Waste Expert Expo on waste and climate change. Our carbon expert, Nigel, encouraged everyone to “treat your carbon footprint like your bank account – exactly how you would treat your money, very carefully” (reported by Farida Master at Times online – Local schools reduce waste by 40 per cent or more).

Thanks to funding from Howick Local Board, we have been able to fund 10 local schools participating in this amazing pilot project.

PROJECT PHILOSOPHY

Your Own Project

You design your own project, which can be tailored to suit your school's circumstances and choices. You start at whichever level suits you best.

Non-competitive

Doing the project is a challenge and not a competition against others. Your project is tailor-made to reflect your own starting point, abilities and interests.

Achievable

The project is achievable by your school with the right guidance and inspiration from our Carbon Expert, regardless of the ability or experience of the school.

Capability Development

Participating in our project fosters your carbon capability. You gain valuable experiences and skills and grow in confidence in your carbon compliance.

Explore New Areas

You are encouraged to explore new areas of teaching and learning through interdisciplinary thinking while measuring your school's carbon footprint.

Persistence

The project requires persistence and cannot be completed with a short burst of enthusiasm. You are encouraged to maintain your interest beyond the project.

THE MAGIC IS IN YOUR HANDS

Our project expert, Nigel Zhang aka Mr Tuatara, designed the MAGIC Pathway toward net zero carbon for organisations in 2012 with his experience in carbon auditing under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Nine years later, he adjusted it to suit the New Zealand education sector and introduced this concept to Howick local schools at the Enviroschools Cluster in March 2021.

IMAGES: Enviroschools Cluster at Farm Cove Intermediate School on 21 March 2021

  • The thumb is carbon  M·easurement. Without our thumbs, we would be unable to do many tasks.
  • The pointer finger is    A·nalysis. Analysing carbon data and activities helps us to point out carbon reduction potentials.
  • The long finger is miti·G·ation. It reminds us that carbon reduction is a long journey.
  • The ring finger is           I·ntegration. New Zealand curriculum requires us to integrate climate change into our classrooms.
  • The pinky finger is       C·ommunication. Make a “pinky promise” on carbon neutralisation with school stakeholders.
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WHAT WE DO

FREE CARBON CALCULATORS

We developed a FREE Carbon Footprint Calculator Excel version 2.0 in line with internationally recognised standards with New Zealand emission factors. It covers most school carbon-related activities, for example, purchased electricity, fuel combustion on the campus, fleets, EOTC, water consumption, waste generation, travel, and staff commuting.

Thanks to funding from Howick Local Board, we have been able to fund 10 local schools participating in this amazing pilot project.

Expression of Interest

CAPABILITY BUILDING

Data is the basic information on activity levels, emission factors, processes, and operations. Although carbon calculators need to be appropriately rigorous and detailed, data quality is more important. No carbon calculator can compensate for poor quality input data. We guide and facilitate your school to collect high-quality carbon inventory data and maintain and improve the collection procedures.

CARBON REPORTS

Although our pilot project DOES NOT require your school to report the carbon footprint publicly, an accredible carbon report presents relevant information that is complete, consistent, accurate and transparent. Your school carbon management knowledge will improve with experience in collecting, calculating and reporting carbon data.

Click here to download our school carbon infographics example and click the button to book a time with our carbon expert.

Book A Time with Mr Tuatara

TEACHING CLIMATE CHANGE IN YOUR CLASSROOM

We encourage young people’s interdisciplinary thinking when addressing climate change. Therefore, any subject teacher will contribute to this process. Our carbon expert, Mr Tuatara, is ready to work with you to identify opportunities to teach climate change in your classroom.

Sunnyhills School

 

Click here to visit Sunnyhills Environmental Blog about these events

Sunnyhills School

 

Click here to visit Sunnyhills Environmental Blog about these events

Farm Cove Intermediate School

Saint Kentigern College

Sancta Maria College

CAPABILITY BUILDING WORKSHOPS

CARBON PIONEERS

Farm Cove Intermediate School

2020 / 2021 / 2022

Sunnyhills School

2021

Sancta Maria College

2021

Buckland Beach Intermediate School

2022

Edgewater College

2021 / 2022

Howick College

2021 / 2022

Mission Heights Junior College

2022

Pakuranga Baptist Kindergarten

2022

Point View School

2021 / 2022

Saint Kentigern College

2021 / 2022

Macleans Primary School

2022

Botany Downs Primary School

2022