This month Solihull Council held its annual Greener Schools awards to recognise the work of schools across the borough, and their excellent contributions to building sustainability and helping the environment.
The event was attended by seven winning primary schools, along with the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Mrs Diana Holl-Allen MBE and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change & Planning, Councillor Andy Mackiewicz.
Open to all schools across the borough, the Greener School Awards provide the opportunity for school pupils to show their care for the environment and ways in which they are working towards improving it. School projects such as litter picking, recycling pens and selling pre-owned uniforms, are some of the schemes set up by the schools to qualify for the award.
The schools’ awards were sponsored by a range of local businesses, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to environmental causes.
There are three award levels, those achieving the highest level received wood carved trophies designed by Newlands Bishop farm. Awards were presented by the Mayor of Solihull, to each school, after a short speech by each business representative outlining the school’s environmental work.
As well as being presented with awards, students took part in a carbon literacy game, inspired by the book ‘How bad are bananas?’ led by Dr Emma Fieldhouse, Director of Future We Want, to learn more about the environment around them. The event concluded with a Question Time session, where pupils were able to ask questions about the panel’s thoughts on the environment and sustainability in Solihull.
The full list of winners and their sponsors are as follows:
- Balsall Common Primary School, sponsored by Touchwood
- George Fentham Primary School, sponsored by Schofield & Associates
- Monkspath Junior & Infant School, sponsored by Hill & Smith
- St Patricks C of E Primary Academy, sponsored by Harper Fox
- Forest Oak School, sponsored by Solihull Chamber of Commerce
- Coppice Junior School, sponsored by Birmingham Airport
- Dickens Heath Community Primary School, sponsored by BAM/SMP alliance
- Alderbrook Secondary, sponsored by Prime Accountants
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Mrs Diana Holl-Allen MBE, said:
“It’s wonderful to see young people wanting to make a positive difference to their school and local community. Getting involved in green and sustainable activities can be a fun yet important way to protect our planet for future generations. Well done to all participants and good luck in all your future environmental ventures.”
Cabinet Portfolio Holder - Climate Change & Planning, Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, added:
“The Greener Schools Awards are an excellent opportunity for young people in Solihull to become more environment and sustainability aware. The future is in their hands and it’s great to see such interest, ideas, and enthusiasm in making a positive difference to their local communities.
I want to congratulate those schools who participated and for their fantastic projects. A big thank you to our business sponsors for the support to both our schools and in improving our environment and making sustainable living a priority.
As the Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, I feel passionately about these issues and am pleased to see our schools and businesses taking the initiative. I hope to see more of our schools getting involved in future, as it’s a great opportunity to be part of something truly worthwhile.”
The council will be holding a Model COP event on 7 December aligning with this year’s COP28 conference. This will be an opportunity for secondary school students in Solihull to experience a mock environment conference.