Let’s go zero competition sparks eco revolutions in schools

The IKEA x Let’s Go Zero competition is giving schools the chance to kickstart a brilliant green project – one that cuts waste and brings climate learning to life

To be in with a chance of winning, pupils and teachers need to create a film about their sustainable work at their school, to inspire students and wider community to care for the environment.

Four winning schools will choose one of three sustainability product bundles worth £1,500: materials to create a swap shop, an outdoor learning area, or a sustainability hub that offers an indoor space for learning about climate issues.

To take part, pupils need to don their directors’ caps and make a short film about their school’s sustainability plans. Pupils can show the work they’ve already carried out to green their school, talk about the students who will use the space, and how the prize would bring positive change to the community.

The short video (no more than one minute 30 seconds) should feature pupils and teachers, showcasing their brilliant eco efforts, why they should win the competition, and say which bundle would make the most difference to their school.

Applications for this fantastic prize opened Monday 8 January 2024 and close on Monday 19^th February 2024.

IKEA and Let’s Go Zero share the belief that children have a vital role in protecting the planet, and schools can play an important part in educating future generations to make sustainable, healthy choices in their lives. The IKEA X Let’s Go Zero school competition is part of wider work to drive change across communities and help schools become more resilient to climate change. It also supports the Let’s Go Zero’s ambition to help all 32,000 schools in the UK reach zero carbon by 2030.

Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero, says: “This project will bring inspiring ideas and spaces to life to help young people learn about our environment and develop sustainable behaviours. I’m really looking forward to seeing this year’s IKEA x Let’s Go Zero competition winners and the impact their projects will have, bringing climate action into their schools.”

Greg Lucas, IKEA UK and Ireland Country Sustainability Manager, says: “The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for many people. Climate change threatens this, for people today and for generations to come.”

With 42 per cent of all UK households home to school-aged children, the classroom is a natural place to inspire change across communities for the next generation. Both schools and children play a critical role in helping the UK cut carbon emissions, building on the existing energy and passion of the next generation to be more climate conscious and make beneficial changes.

The IKEA x Let’s Go Zero Competition allows schools to lead by example and inspire others to be a part of the UK’s zero carbon transformation.

To find out more, click here.