Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark

Sunderland is playing its role in tackling the global challenge of climate change and Sunderland schools are already working hard to deliver green projects across the city and are playing a key role in climate education within our communities.

In 2019 Sunderland City Council declared a climate emergency and has since been working with organisations across the city to reduce carbon emissions, in line with Sunderland's ambitions to be carbon neutral by 2040. 

Carbon neutral means having a balance between the amount of carbon being emitted and the amount of carbon being absorbed, stored and offset.

Starting in 2025, all schools in England have been advised to have a Sustainability Lead and a Climate Action Plan (CAP) in line with guidance from the Department for Education and their Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy. 

What is the Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark?

The Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark was launched in March 2025. The Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark has been developed to support your school to look after the planet, implement actions to reduce carbon emissions and to give credit to schools that have embedded sustainable behaviour within your school and the local community. In addition, the charter mark recognises the dedication of schools within the city in contributing towards a greener Sunderland and a more sustainable planet. The Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark is managed by City of Sunderland's Low Carbon Team.

How to get involved?

As a first step towards attaining the Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark, your school must nominate a named Sustainability Lead. The Sustainability Lead will have/ develop good knowledge of climate change and how to embed this into your school community, as well as acting as the first point of contact for learners, staff or parents/guardians who have any climate change queries.

To attain your Award

• The school must have a designated Sustainability Lead
• The Sustainability Lead must attend the Sunderland Climate Friendly Schools Network meetings on a regular basis
• The school meets all criteria outlined in the Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark 
• The Sustainability Lead ​must be willing to join the Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark moderation team and moderate at least one school over the course of the next academic year

To apply for Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark or to find out more, please contact lowcarbon@sunderland.gov.uk

Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark Support to Schools

Schools who would benefit from support to establish the Sunderland Low Carbon Charter, please contact lowcarbon@sunderland.gov.uk with any queries or support requests. Information and resources will be circulated to schools who are working towards/ interested in applying for the charter mark.

Apply for your Low Carbon School Charter Accreditation using this form.