Sustainability award for Shropshire schools

Much Wenlock Primary School has been named the winner of the annual Shropshire Sustainable Schools Award, and has won £1,000 to spend on sustainability projects within the school.

The award celebrates the efforts of schools across Shropshire to improve their school environment and engage pupils with the environment.

Second place was awarded to Newtown Primary School, Wem, who received £500, and third place to Bishop’s Castle Community College, who received £250.

Seven Highly Commended schools received certificates and a small financial prize to spend on sustainability projects

Throughout the year schools across Shropshire are encouraged to assess their position against the Sustainable Schools Framework and are then invited to apply for the award.

Ruth Hudson, Sustainability Officer for Shropshire Council said:

“I would like to congratulate the pupils, teachers and staff at the winning schools, which is deserved recognition for their continued efforts to protect and enhance the environment at the school. The staff and pupils in these schools are models for the future who are aware of the need to act and live sustainably and through their actions are making positive changes to their school and local communities.

“Changes have focused on improving school grounds, understanding more about food origins and healthy eating; creating healthier lifestyles, using less water and energy using alternative forms of energy, producing less waste and improving recycling.”

Councillor Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for Carbon Reduction said:

“I am delighted with the progress Shropshire schools are making to become more sustainable. To have such a high quality of applications for these awards from schools across Shropshire goes to show that sustainability is something which is very important to staff and pupils across Shropshire. They all embraced the fact that it makes sense economically as well as environmentally to reduce carbon emissions and are helping to contribute to the 35% reduction in emissions the council has pledged to achieve by 2014, and that we all have to be active to make a difference.”

The Shropshire Sustainable Schools Award was launched in 2010, replacing the Mike Sprackling Award but remaining in memory of him.

It is to celebrate performance by schools in becoming sustainable schools and aims to recognise innovative work and activity in school and linking with the wider community.