What is the Sustainability Group?
In September 2022, some Parent Forum parents/carers created the Sustainability Group (SG). The SG’s goal is to build and sustain an active community of parents/caregivers, pupils, and teachers. The group is focusing on the four sustainability pillars: human, social, economic, and environmental. We wish to spread the word about net zero and the circular economy. The SG is made up of various interrelated working teams, and it connects with similar working groups in other schools and local communities throughout Edinburgh (for example, neighbourhood networks).
Who can be part of the Sustainability Group?
The SG is open to any BPS parent/carer who wants to volunteer their time, thoughts, and passion for themes related to sustainability. If you want to help, please contact [email protected].
When & where does the Sustainability Group meet?
Our meetings can be virtual or face-to-face and may vary in length or frequency depending on the themes to be covered. We have a WhatsApp group for more direct communication among SG members, so please email [email protected] if you wish to be a part of those more frequent exchanges.
Useful Resources
If you can’t participate right now but would like to explore some sustainability ideas with your children at home, please see the resources listed below. There is no fixed time commitment – we know how busy you all are! – you can simply join in when you are able to. This resource list is always being updated.
>> Children’s Parliament Investigates: Learning for Sustainability
>> Learning to Thrive in a Climate of Uncertainty: Pathway 1 – Caregivers
Activities of the Sustainability Group
During the Bruntsfield Primary Winter Fair 2022
(https://bruntsfield.org/2022/11/18/winter-fair-2022/), our group had a
creative eco-art stall. Children could make a) their own Xmas
decorations and wishing cards out of discarded paper/cartons (previous
wishing cards, magazines, and unwanted paper); and b) their own Xmas
ornaments out of natural materials collected from the surrounding roads,
parks, and woods.
Our group supports the BPS to get another eco-flag (eco-schools).
Our group, in collaboration with the Parent Council, has applied to the
Edinburgh Community Climate Fund with the Trash into Treasure (T2T)
project.
Unfortunately, the project did not succeed, receiving only 189 votes.
We were only 75 votes behind for getting funded! We will continue to
seek funding for similar activities! Your assistance is invaluable, and we are grateful to all the parents/carers and teachers who voted in
favour of our project! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
During the Pirates in Wonderland Summer Fair 2023
(https://bruntsfield.org/2023/03/20/summer-fair-2023/), our stalls hosted
a Thinking Lab in which we discussed the 10Rs (Refuse, Rethink,
Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose,
Recycle, and Recover).
Kids (pupils and siblings) produced their own 10Rs artwork in our eco-
art stall, which decorated our group’s space on the playground.
We also had a music stall where kids could play musical instruments
while being encouraged to make their own sustainable sounds.
You may listen to the sustainability sounds here:
Our group shared space with our local community partners: the Dig-in,
the BANZAI network! Additionally, our group had a bike repair stand for
basic bike repairs and advice. The stall was organised together with the
newly formed BPS active transport group and the BPS cycling club.
Together with the active transport group, who created the Active Travel
Survey, we also circulated it using the QR code!
It was a fantastic celebration! And the weather treated us so well!
During the Winter Fair 2023 (Winter Fair – November 2023 – Bruntsfield Primary Parents Community), we shared the space in the upper playground with the Playground group!
What could be more enjoyable than playing a game outside? The sustainability group created a card game that required hands-on and critical thinking! What is this game called? ‘Clear Air’ game! BPS students and their parents/cares were asked to play; three groups could play in every round. Each group chose one card from a collection of cards depicting activities that children participate in daily. Players were asked to estimate each activity’s CO2 footprint by dropping blue ink droplets into a glass of water in proportion to the activity’s CO2 footprint. What is less harmful to the environment? To scooter or drive to school? To take a shower or a bath? To travel via air or train? These were some of the questions the groups had to evaluate. After dropping the ink droplets into the glass of water, pupils, siblings, parents/carers and members of the sustainability group discussed why and when our daily activities pollute the environment. We then brainstormed ways to improve our lifestyles to help slow down climate change!
There is only ONE planet Earth! Positive change occurs when we all strive!
Parents and carers could also have a wee look at the Edinburgh Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and get informed about the consultation period.
Edinburgh Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Delivery Plan
The Consultation period was from the 28th of November 2023 until the 8th of March 2024.
An overview of the proposal for the heat in buildings bill is here:
Information on the consultation paper is here: