Let’s Go Zero, a programme led by climate solutions charity Ashden, has been selected to help deliver a major government-backed solar energy rollout in the North West of England.
Let’s Go Zero is now working with 46 schools and one college as part of the GB Energy Solar Partnership to accelerate the UK’s transition to clean energy.
Let’s Go Zero is part of the Barker consortium, a group of organisations with expertise in helping schools decarbonise. While other consortium members provide technical planning and support, Let’s Go Zero is focused on behaviour change and helping schools create customised climate action plans.
The initiative builds on Let’s Go Zero’s growing reach, with more than 7,000 schools across the UK now signed up to its mission of becoming zero carbon by 2030.
The GB Energy Solar Partnership is part of a £200 million investment through Great British Energy. The first phase is targeting 200 schools and 200 NHS sites, with the goal of lowering energy bills, reducing emissions, and freeing up funds for core services.
Government estimates suggest a typical school could save up to £25,000 per year through decarbonisation measures such as installing solar panels and improving energy efficiency.
Some schools already participating in the programme are seeing benefits. At Feversham School in Bradford (pictured above), solar panels installed in spring 2024 cut electricity use from the grid by 63% within two months.
At Whiteknights Primary School in Reading, solar energy now meets 14% of the school’s electricity needs, cutting emissions by three tonnes and saving over £3,200 a year.
Meanwhile, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Axminster installed its system in a weekend and now saves over £2,000 annually, while newly formed eco-clubs are engaging with the technology and using it as a springboard for further climate action.
GB Energy aims to support solar installations in 200 schools over the next year, alongside similar initiatives in other UK regions.
Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero, says: ‘School rooftops are a hugely underused asset in the UK – so this solar roll-out in the North West is incredibly exciting.
‘Let’s Go Zero will work closely with staff and students on energy-saving behaviours like switch-off campaigns and monitoring usage. Changing a variety of simple habits can cut a school’s energy use by at least 10%.
‘Our Climate Action Advisors help each school identify the most effective solutions to cut energy bills, lower emissions, save money, and create inspiring learning environments for children, teachers, and families.’
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