Many schools around Durham are now responding to the challenge of climate change. The exemplar is Cassop School, where the inspirational head-teacher has developed a comprehensive understanding of sustainability amongst the children. It began as a special interest but as the school received national recognition for its work, it has become fundamental to the life of the school. The school has a wind turbine, a biomass boiler, photovoltaic cells and solar power. Sustainability is part of the curriculum. Cassop invites schools to visit and see what is possible.

In order to work on sustainability programmes, a school needs a group of keen students, at least one engaged member of staff and one governor. It also helps if the management are involved - as cleaning staff, grounds staff, kitchen staff all need to play their part.

Schools can sign up to the Eco-School programme. Durham High School for Girls has embraced this programme and is now going for Gold Award here.  Carbon Detectives is another excellent, very userfriendly programme for schools to follow

Dr Krista McKinzey is working on a Climate Change Project, embedding climate change issues in the national curriculum. 80 schools in Durham and the region are signed up to this programme but new schools will be able to 'buddy' in 2009/2010. For more information, contact Krista McKinsey. Framwellgate School in Durham City is signed up to this programme.

The new build for Durham Johnston will have a biomass boiler, light sensors in all rooms, will recycle as much as possible and now employs a chef who sources locally produced food and uses biodegradable packaging for all take out food.

If you want to find out more about how you can become a more sustainable school the Ewe Centre at Esh Winning runs training programmes for schools.

If you are a school, you can contact Climate Durham to get involved in the schools project - or why not post a message on the site, explaining what you are now doing to reduce your carbon footprint in your school.