Schools' Clean Air Fund

To get you started, we have produced a list of potential project ideas to address the poor quality of air.

Please note, that suggestions are not limited to this list, and we are open to listening to other ideas pupils, teachers and parents feel will make a difference.

Green infrastructure

Green screens, trees and other green infrastructure can elevate schools’ air quality by extracting pollutants from the air and creating a natural barrier from busy highways that have high levels of air pollution and dust. Green infrastructure can also enhance biodiversity, and growing food can encourage young children’s curiosity about the natural world.

School streets

School streets are timed road closures at the beginning and end of the school day. This not only encourages walking and cycling to school, but also will have a large impact on children’s exposure to pollution as they arrive and leave school.

Upgrade boilers to air source heat pump or ground source heat pump

Upgrading your gas boiler to an air source heat pump (ASHP) or ground source heat pump (GSHP) not only provides efficient heating but also significantly reduces carbon emissions, improving air quality by eliminating harmful pollutants and contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment.

Air conditioning and air filtration units

Upgrading to advanced air conditioning and air filtration units in school classrooms benefits young children by improving indoor air quality, removing allergens and pollutants, creating a fresher and healthier learning environment for a better educational experience.

Encouraging active travel

Embracing active travel not only reduces carbon emissions but also results in cleaner air quality in school environments, promoting the well-being of young children as they walk, bike or scoot to school. The Schools’ Clean Air Fund can be used towards bike sheds and other active travel infrastructure to encourage children to choose sustainable and active transportation.

Dedicated electric vehicle charging bays

Having electric vehicle charging bays at schools not only supports a cleaner environment but also makes it easier for parents and staff to choose eco-friendly transportation, reducing air pollution and improving the air quality for students.

Promote cleaner walking routes to school

Choosing walking routes that avoid polluted areas to school helps safeguard children's health by reducing their exposure to harmful pollutants, promoting cleaner air, and ensuring a safer and healthier journey to class.

Air quality monitors

Air quality monitors at schools and along the main streets provide real-time data, helping educators, parents, and local authorities track pollution levels. This information empowers better decision-making to protect children's health, ensuring a safer environment both within the school premises and on the routes to school.

Solar panels

Implementing solar panels and other renewable energy sources in schools reduces carbon emissions and improves air quality, creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for students while teaching them the importance of clean energy. This not only benefits the immediate school community but also contributes to a greener future.

Air quality lessons

Integrating air quality education in schools not only deepens students' awareness but also empowers them to combat air pollution and climate change. These lessons inspire and equip schools and pupils with the knowledge and determination to take meaningful actions, fostering a generation of young advocates dedicated to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.