Leading the Way to Net Zero: Whiteknights Joins the Net Zero Accelerator Pathfinder Programme

Whiteknights Primary School is thrilled to announce that, alongside seven other BPET schools, we have been selected to participate in the Net Zero Accelerator Pathfinder Programme. This initiative, commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), is designed to help schools meet the net zero challenge and inspire the next generation to take action on climate change.

The Pathfinder Programme is led by LocatED, the government’s education property experts, and delivered in partnership with the Barker Consortium, a team of net zero specialists. Together, they are working closely with schools to:

• • Reduce harmful carbon emissions in school buildings, enhancing climate resilience.

  • Lower energy consumption, leading to cost savings for schools.

  • Minimise waste inefficiencies.

  • Foster shared learning experiences for pupils and staff, promoting climate action education.

If successful, this programme has the potential to be rolled out nationally, amplifying its impact on schools across the country.

A Visit from the Experts

As part of our sustainability audit and learning journey, we were delighted to welcome a team member from the Let’s Go Zero 2030 campaign to Whiteknights. This insightful site visit provided our School Council with hands-on opportunities to explore our school’s carbon footprint and consider practical strategies to reduce it.

One of the most exciting parts of the day was seeing thermal imaging technology in action. Pupils were fascinated to learn how "temperature maps" can identify where heat is escaping from our school buildings, offering a tangible way to improve energy efficiency.

BPET’s Commitment to Sustainability

At BPET, sustainability is more than a goal—it’s a core value. Led by Simon Rule, BPET trustee and founder of Place Group Ltd, the organisation is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

BPET schools, including Whiteknights, are actively working towards this through:

• The Let’s Go Zero 2030 campaign, empowering schools to take action.

• Assessing and implementing green energy solutions like solar panels and LED lighting.

• Reducing waste and energy use, including printing.

• Promoting sustainable travel through awards programmes.

• Developing an Eco Champions network, which participates in the Green Schools Project.

We are excited to embark on this journey as a BPET school and are proud to be at the forefront of climate action in education, taking positive steps toward reducing our environmental impact and empowering our pupils to become sustainability leaders of the future.