Last Monday, Westminster’s Attlee Suite was filled with policymakers, educators, and industry leaders, who gathered for the Solar for Schools Parliamentary Showcase. Organised by Chamber UK, Solar for Schools, and National Grid Electricity Distribution, with support from Energy Utilities Alliance and Triodos Bank UK, the event highlighted the pivotal role of schools in advancing sustainability and renewable energy.
Feryal Clark MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, hosted the showcase. In her address, she explored the profound impact of solar energy on schools, celebrated the role of young people in driving change, and urged collective action to combat climate change.
Celebrating the Success of Schools
Clark began by commending the achievements of schools already embracing solar energy. She drew attention to the remarkable progress of Kingfisher Hall Primary Academy in her Enfield North constituency. The school has saved £90,000 in energy costs and reduced carbon emissions by 95 tonnes thanks to Solar for Schools’ initiatives.
“What Kingfisher Hall has achieved is phenomenal,” Clark said. “Not only have they saved significant costs and cut emissions, but they’ve also created fantastic learning opportunities for their students.”
Clark praised the commitment of teachers and pupils, underscoring how these initiatives provide a dual benefit: reducing environmental impact while equipping students with vital skills for a sustainable future.
The Role of Young People in Driving Change
A central theme of Clark’s speech was the vital role young people play in addressing the climate crisis. She celebrated the enthusiasm and creativity shown by students involved in the Solar for Schools programme, describing them as the “driving force” behind sustainability.
“Our young people bring inspiring passion, creativity, and energy to this mission,” she said. “They are not just learning about sustainability; they are leading it.”
Clark emphasised how renewable energy projects can ignite students’ interest in green careers, equipping them with skills that will be increasingly valuable as the UK transitions to a clean energy economy.
Sustainability as an Economic Opportunity
Clark also linked sustainability with economic growth, highlighting the opportunities renewable energy presents for job creation and green skills development. She stressed
that investment in clean energy is not just an environmental imperative but an economic one as well.
“The drive to clean energy represents the greatest economic opportunity of this century,” Clark said. “It promises well-paid jobs for the future, clean air for our children, and cheaper energy for families.”
She reinforced the importance of government support in ensuring these opportunities are accessible to all communities, with schools acting as a critical foundation for building a skilled green workforce.
The Urgency of Collective Action
With the UK nearing the halfway point of the critical decade to tackle climate change, Clark emphasised the need for unified global and local action. She called for community and locally owned energy projects, like Solar for Schools, to play a central role in achieving the country’s Net Zero targets.
“We are almost halfway through this decade, and the need for urgent and unified action has never been greater,” she said. “Community energy is at the heart of our mission to become a clean energy superpower.”
Clark acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic, pointing to the collaboration demonstrated at the showcase as a powerful example of what can be achieved when stakeholders work together.
Final Thought: Building a Sustainable Legacy
As she concluded her speech, Clark reflected on the collective potential of the schools, policymakers, and organisations represented at the event. She encouraged everyone in the room to continue championing renewable energy in their communities, urging them to inspire others to act.
“If we can work together, we can achieve so much more,” she said. “Our schools are leading the way, and with their passion and commitment, I am confident we can create a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.”
Clark celebrated what had been accomplished and a rallied for further action. Her speech encapsulated the key themes of the Solar for Schools Parliamentary Showcase: the transformative power of renewable energy, the role of young people in shaping the future, and the importance of collective action in the fight against climate change.
To watch the full video of Feryal Clark’s keynote speech, please click below and subscribe to Chamber UK’s YouTube channel here.
