Four winning schools across the UK have been announced as winners in the IKEA-Let’s Go Zero sustainable schools’ competition.

The competition – a partnership of IKEA and the national zero carbon campaign for schools, Let’s Go Zero – was a chance for schools to win one of three sustainability product packages: a uniform swap shop, a sustainability hub, or outdoor seating and furniture. Schools sent in videos showcasing the fantastic sustainability work their students are already doing, and, with over 70 entries, the judges had a hard time choosing only four winners.

As well as showing off their sustainability efforts, the winning schools showcased how they would use their new IKEA products, from an outdoor, nature-inspired classroom in Harrogate to a uniform swap shop in Gateshead that will double as a hub for education on the circular economy.

Supporting the Let’s Go Zero’s campaign to make all 32,000 UK schools zero carbon by 2030, the competition gives schools £1,500 of IKEA products and the opportunity for schools to build relationships with their local IKEA stores.

Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero said: “With 42% of all UK households being home to school aged children, the classroom is a natural place to inspire change across communities for the next generation.

“It’s great to see such brilliant examples of schools working on zero carbon solutions – improving their schools’ facilities at the same time as reducing energy, waste and becoming more sustainable. These schools show clearly that they can inspire children to protect the environment, create beautiful learning spaces and provide students with vital new skills all at once.”

Greg Lucas, Sustainability Manager, IKEA UK said: “The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for people. Climate change threatens this, for citizens today and for generations to come. Becoming climate positive by 2030 means reducing more greenhouse gas emissions than the full IKEA value chain emits, while growing the IKEA business in line with the 1.5 degree target.”

Winners:

Coppice Valley Primary School, Harrogate – The ‘go outside’ classroom

Students at Coppice Valley Primary School love outdoor learning and being out in nature. Their school grounds play a big part in students’ mental health and well-being – giving students space to connect with nature and reflect. Their new outdoor seating means they can open their grounds up to the wider community and other local schools without green space. Though a small school, they have big plans, including holding on-site residentials and family workshops.

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Photo: Students at Coppice Valley Primary School in Harrogate jump for joy in the space that will become their ‘go-outside classroom’.

Gateshead College, Newcastle – The upcycling and repairing hub

Staff and students see their new swap shop becoming a hub for education on the circular economy, and the benefits of repairing and reusing items. As well as offering second hand clothing to a huge number of students across their four campuses, the swap shop will be a place to learn practical repair and upcycling skills, empowering students and the community to live sustainably. The swap shop will also help to alleviate financial stresses and help community members through the cost-of-living crisis.

The Wallace High School, Lisburn, Northern Ireland – The eco team’s sustainability space

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Photo: Members of The Wallace High School’s Eco-Team hold bird food balls they have made which provide birds with sustenance through the winter months.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the school’s ethos, and, with their new sustainability hub, they will create a dedicated and inclusive space for eco-learning. Their Eco-Team will use the space to meet, plan and hold events with guest speakers from different environmental groups. Other schools and local businesses will be invited to learn about sustainability practices, and the hub will be at the centre of the school’s eco-work.

Stewart Fleming Primary School, London – The uniform Swap Shop

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Photo: Students at Stewart Fleming school in Bromley, London give the thumbs up for their win – the chance to build a uniform swap shop in their school.

Having had no dedicated space for second hand uniform, Stewart Fleming’s new swap shop will help students and their parents to be more sustainable and save on uniform costs. Their new swap shop will teach the students and their families about the importance of reusing clothes, and how it can help to reduce waste, conserve resources and save money. They also hope the co-benefits of their swap shop encourages their Trust to roll out similar provisions across its other schools.

Although the IKEA competition is over, schools can take part in Let’s Go Zero’s Climate Action Countdown from 7 June to 5 July to celebrate climate action and win weekly eco prizes for their school.

There is a pick-and-mix calendar of exciting activities from a raft of different climate charities. Schools, eco-clubs, home schoolers, students and teaching staff at all levels are invited to take part.