ECO2 Smart Schools started as The School Carbon Reduction Programme (SCRP). SCRP was developed as a pilot programme for County Durham Schools in 2010, as a response to the local authority carbon management plan. The Plan identified that school buildings were responsible for 54% of the carbon emissions coming from the local authority estate.
The SCRP pilot was very successful, reducing 60 school’s energy use, so it was integrated into Durham County Council’s Energy Management Service Level Agreement (SLA). Hence, as well receiving billing advice and guidance, all schools on the SLA were offered in school support to reduce their energy use and increase their awareness and understanding of energy and climate related issues.
In 2018 the project underwent a rebrand, receiving a new name, logo and website.
ECO2 Smart Schools currently works with over 240 schools in County Durham. Since 2010, these schools have collectively saved nearly £7.5 million, resulting in almost 20,000 tonnes of CO₂ being saved.
Visit the project website eco2smartschools.org.uk
