IKEA encourages schools to go zero with competition
by Educate Magazine June 7, 2022 · Uncategorized
Today, IKEA has launched a competition to inspire children across the UK to create sustainable concepts for their school.
The competition, ‘Let’s Go Zero’, is in partnership with the Let’s Go Zero campaign. They are a group of environmental organisations that hope to see all 32,000 UK schools be zero carbon by 2030.
The initiative comes as eight in ten 5-16 year olds want to make changes towards combatting climate change at school, with almost two thirds keen to earn more about sustainability.
Let’s Go Zero and IKEA will be selecting four winning ideas from schools across the UK.
They want pupils ideas to show what they would like their school to do more to tackle climate change.
Things like growing vegetables, composting and building bike sheds are all good ideas, but it does not have to stop there.
Pupils are encouraged to be as creative as they can be with their proposals.
For the value of £2000 for each winning project, IKEA have pledged the four winning designs will be brought to life by IKEA products and help the winning pupils, and their schools, do their bit for the planet.
Let’s Go Zero want to prove overall that pupils, parents, teachers and governors are united in calling for change.
With 42% of all UK households home to school aged children, the classroom is a natural place to inspire change across communities for the next generation.
Both schools and children play a critical role in helping the UK cut carbon emission levels, building on the existing energy and passion of the next generation to be more climate conscious and make beneficial changes.
It appears that the younger generation are aware of what it means to be sustainable. Over one third of UK children, for example, claim to know more about sustainability than their parents.
Research conducted by Censuswide revealed 8 in 10 children between 5-16 recycle their rubbish, three quarters make sure to turn off the lights when they aren’t needed, and over a half have a shower instead of a bath.
The majority of children still want to learn more about climate change, and 51% feel it is not covered enough in lessons.
However, nearly all children have highlighted how it is not just the responsibility of schools to take steps towards making change – they said that the government and businesses should also do more to help families and schools lower their carbon footprint.
Competition entries will be judged by a panel from IKEA and climate solutions charity Ashden, which coordinates the Let’s Go Zero campaign, alongside Marsha Smith, Country Deputy Retail Manager at IKEA, who will select four winning designs to be created.
Marsha Smith, Country Deputy Retail Manager at IKEA Group UK & Ireland, said: “At IKEA, we’re committed to making healthy and sustainable living accessible and affordable for the many while inspiring the next generation.
“We’re proud to be partnering with the Let’s Go Zero campaign, encouraging children to pave the way for a sustainable future.
Marsha added: “Small simple changes can have a huge impact, whether that’s introducing more plant-based menus or launching a uniform swap shop.
“We can’t wait to see the projects and ideas that will help make schools more sustainable, while inspiring all ages to tackle the climate crisis.”
Alex Green, Schools Lead at Let’s Go Zero, says:“The IKEA Let’s Go Zero Competition is a wonderful way for children to create exciting projects to help make their schools more sustainable and then see them brought to life!
“We are so pleased to be partnering with IKEA to make this happen and to help share the message of climate action into schools and homes across the UK.
“Through the Let’s Go Zero campaign schools are working together to be zero carbon and this competition can make their ideas become a reality.”
Entries for the competition are now open, and will close at 11:59pm on Thursday 30th June.
All entries must be submitted by a member of staff over 18 at a school, college or nursery in the UK. Forms filled out by students or adults not employed by a school, college or nursery will not be accepted.
Visit ikea.co.uk/letsgozero for more information on how to enter the IKEA Let’s Go Zero Competition.
