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 Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy.
What is the Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark?
The Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark was launched in January 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 green 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
Links to the Sunderland Healthy School Charter Marks
The Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark is one of the six Health and Wellbeing related Charters that contribute to the Sunderland Healthy Schools Award
Criteria in the Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark highlighted in pink, indicate where actions can contribute to your Climate Action Plan and one of the other six Health and Wellbeing related Charters.
Sunderland Low Carbon Charter Mark Accreditation Process
To become accredited please complete the below Application Form, including the 'Evidence Gathered' section noting what has been collated and return it to lowcarbon@sunderland.gov.uk, who will arrange to view the required evidence through an agreed method, for example, an onsite visit, electronically or through a Teams call.
The charter is split into three sections: Culture & Ethos; Education & Curriculum; and Family & Communities, each with several standards. It is anticipated that evidence will be gathered to demonstrate the standards have been met, recognising some of the work may already be taking place informally within school and the charter mark is an opportunity to begin to formalise the work in practice.
There are examples listed below to support schools in gathering evidence. There is flexibility in this, as schools may have other examples including evidence that clearly links to sustainability and climate action. When gathering evidence, it is possible to cross reference with other charter marks, as each can complement the work covered in another area such as the Active Charter Mark.
Low Carbon Charter Mark Accreditation Verification
To aid the accreditation process, schools are encouraged to establish and maintain a folder (hard copy or electronic) containing relevant evidence. This will be verified through an onsite visit or alternative methods if necessary.
To ensure the Low Carbon Charter Mark meets a consistently high standard throughout the city, schools that have attained the Charter will be asked to review evidence submitted by another school to ensure the whole process is embedded within the school practice. When possible, an onsite visit will be arranged.
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.
