Earlier this month, policymakers, industry experts, teachers, and pupils from across the country gathered in the Attlee Suite 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 crucial role schools play in advancing sustainability and the UK’s journey to Net Zero.
The purpose of the event was to highlight the challenges and hurdles schools face in accessing solar and other green technologies, while calling for a government review of these processes. We celebrated the dedication of teachers, staff, and sustainability leads who have worked tirelessly to overcome these obstacles and bring their projects to fruition. Their efforts have sparked a variety of sustainability initiatives, as educators become more aware of energy use within their schools.
Our keynote speakers included:
- Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Labour Member of Parliament for Enfield North, Feryal Clark MP (host)
- Member of Parliament for Sefton Central, and Chair of Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee, Bill Esterson MP
- Co-leader of the Green Party and Member of Parliament for Waveney Valley, Adrian Ramsey, MP
- Former Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform and Chief Education and External Officer at TES Global Ltd, Lord Jim Knight
- President of National Grid Electricity Distribution, Cordi O’Hara OBE FEI
- Co-founder and CEO of Solar for Schools, Robert Schrimpff
- Department of Education, Joe Billington
We were delighted to be joined by so many MPs, as well as pupils and teachers from schools including Kingfisher Hall Primary Academy, Shireland Collegiate Academy, Westminster, Hartside Primary Academy, St Christopher’s CE High School, and Churchfields.
Showcasing Leadership in Sustainability
The event spotlighted Solar for Schools’ remarkable progress in driving renewable energy adoption across the country. Having impacted over 250 schools and 100,000 students, the programme is empowering young people to lead the green transition. The event served as both a celebration of these achievements and a call to action for further investment in sustainable education.
Adrian Ramsay MP, Co-Leader of the Green Party, praised the initiative’s impact, saying:
“This programme is a game-changer for schools. It provides cost savings, climate benefits, and unparalleled educational opportunities. One school is set to save £2.5 million over 25 years—an extraordinary figure for schools managing tight budgets.”
Ramsay also expressed enthusiasm for taking the solar energy message back to his constituency, reinforcing the potential of renewables in transforming local communities.
Breaking Down Barriers to Renewable Energy Adoption
The showcase tackled key challenges in renewable energy adoption, such as grid connection delays and project funding. Bill Esterson MP, Chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee, highlighted the critical need for smoother pathways for community energy projects. He stated: “We must remove the barriers that slow down projects like this. The work these schools are doing is extraordinary, but they face unnecessary delays that we must address to unlock their full potential.”
Esterson also celebrated schools’ leadership in climate action: “The leadership shown by students, teachers, and school staff in adopting solar energy is inspiring. It starts small and grows bigger, and it all begins with young people.”
Uniting Education and Decarbonisation
Cordi O’Hara OBE, President of National Grid Electricity Distribution, announced an ambitious investment of £2.7 million to install solar panels in economically deprived schools by 2028. She underscored the transformative power of collaboration, stating: “Our partnership with Solar for Schools shows the incredible impact of combining education and decarbonisation. Together, we’re reducing energy costs and emissions while inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators.”
The programme’s focus on deprived areas reflects its commitment to ensuring equity in the energy transition, enabling schools to benefit financially while playing a leading role in climate action.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Climate Leaders
A recurring theme of the showcase was the importance of equipping young people with the skills and passion to lead on sustainability. Feryal Clark MP shared a success story from her constituency, Kingfisher Hall Primary Academy, which saved £90,000 in energy costs and reduced 95 tonnes of carbon. Clark said: “This initiative doesn’t just deliver environmental and economic benefits; it provides incredible learning opportunities. Our young people are the driving force for a sustainable future.”
Joe Billington, Deputy Director for Sustainability at the Department for Education, echoed these sentiments claiming “Projects like these demonstrate how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into education. From reducing carbon emissions to fostering biodiversity, these initiatives are shaping the leaders of tomorrow.”
He highlighted the Department for Education’s resources, such as the Sustainability Support Programme and Climate Ambassadors, urging schools to leverage these tools to embed sustainability into their curriculum and infrastructure.
Amplifying the Voice of Young People
A standout moment from the day was a reminder of the power young people hold in driving change. Co-founder and CEO of Solar for Schools, Robert Schrimpff, stated: “There are 2 billion young people in the world. If each persuades just three adults to take action, the ripple effect will be monumental.”
This message resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring both students and policymakers to push for collective action.
Final Thought: A Vision for the Future
As the UK accelerates its efforts towards achieving Net Zero, the event underscored the crucial role of education in addressing the challenges of climate change. It highlighted the need for sustained investment in renewable energy and STEM education to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting the green transition.
“It all starts with young people—changing mindsets, leading by example, and making a difference today to create a better tomorrow.” – Bill Esterson MP
The Solar for Schools Parliamentary Showcase was more than just an event; it was a catalyst for change, bringing together diverse stakeholders to champion the role of education in creating a sustainable future. With programmes like Solar for Schools leading the charge, the UK is on its way to building a greener, more equitable world for generations to come.
Please click below and subscribe to Chamber UK’s YouTube channel to watch the highlights video from the Solar for Schools Parliamentary Showcase.
Stay tuned on Chamber UK’s website for more detailed insight from other keynote speakers.