Pupils to count number of zero-emission miles travelled

School children are being encouraged to choose low-emission travel in a new competition launched by Go Ultra Low, the joint government and car industry initiative created to provide all the necessary information about electric vehicles.

TV presenter Ben Fogle, the Go Ultra Low Ambassador and face of the campaign, is challenging children to count the number of zero-emission miles they travel over the course of a week.

The competition will draw attention to the emissions associated with different modes of transport and will encourage pupils to choose low emission travel instead.

This includes walking, cycling, public transport or electric vehicles.

There will be accompanying lesson plans for participating schools, which will aim to educate the pupils on how to reduce their carbon footprint through sustainable travel.

Ben Fogle said: ‘I am a firm believer in educating children about sustainability and helping them to understand the impact of their choices. If we can all make small changes, they’ll add up to make a big difference.’

The winner of the competition will have the chance to win tickets to FIA Formula E championships in London, seeing electric cars race against each other, or an assembly at their school from EV Engineering expert and Ben Fogle.

The competition is backed by the government, vehicle manufacturers and energy providers.

With government targets currently set to end the sale of conventional new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040, the campaign is aiming to ensure that the younger generation is aware of how electric vehicles work and how they can be used to reduce the individual’s carbon footprint.

Head of Go Ultra Low Poppy Welch said: ‘As we see more and more electric vehicles on the road, it is important that school pupils understand the environmental factors behind the switch to this technology.’

‘The competition will empower children to make more sustainable transport choices and appreciate the impact that they make.’

Last week, Poppy Welch wrote an article for AirQualityNews about why she thinks it’s time several misconceptions around electric vehicles (EVs) were put to bed.

Read the full piece here.

Photo Credit – Pixabay