DEMAND FROM PUPILS FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS MUST BE MET SAYS COUNCILLOR (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

DEMAND FROM PUPILS FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS MUST BE MET SAYS COUNCILLOR

June 10, 2009 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Children and Young People's Services, Councillor Carol Runciman will today give a speech to head teachers and school governors from across the region setting out City of York Council's strategy for making schools more sustainable.

Councillor Runciman will make the speech at York's Sustainable Schools Conference which is being held at York Racecourse.

Some schools in York have already taken steps to make themselves more sustainable including York High School which is entirely heated by 3 biomass boilers. The newly opened York High School building also features a computer display showing pupils the amount of energy being used.

Introducing the Council's Sustainable Schools Strategy Councillor Runciman said, "It has been a pleasure for me to be part of the Sustainable Schools Group who have worked so hard to bring this together and I have been impressed by the commitment of everyone to the outcomes included in the strategy."

"As I visit the city's schools, it is obvious to me that our children and young people are very clear that the future of our world is in their hands. They want their schools to be as sustainable as possible."

"There are many initiatives in individual schools that are impressive and are making a real difference. The strategy brings all these together and takes that our thinking further, looking towards a real joined-up approach which affects all areas of school life."

Councillor Runciman added, "The Lib Dem administration is committed to making York a more sustainable city and were are ensuring that new buildings across the city are built with sustainable features."

"Cutting down on energy use and combating climate change are important priorities for us and we are working hard to deliver real change."

The Sustainable Schools Strategy will now undergo a period of consultation before being formally approved by Councillor Runciman later in the year.