From the ground up: Greening the UK’s schools with Alex Green from Ashden

Interview with Alex Gren, Let's Go Zero campaign lead

In the interview below, Alex Green, the campaign’s head, shares insights on its progress, the role of schools in driving community change, and the impact on future generations.

Why focus on schools for climate action?

Alex Green: "Schools are such an essential part of every community. Working with them not only impacts the school buildings but also spreads climate awareness through the whole community."

She notes that students themselves are powerful messengers, bringing climate awareness into their own homes and impacting family behavior. "Teaching kids about climate science and sustainability creates a ripple effect. If we embed these ideas now, the next generation will already understand the science and reasoning when they’re faced with lifestyle changes in the future."

Talk to us about trade-offs

An inevitable part of any discussion that’s about sustainability and costs…

Alex believes in encouraging schools to take sustainable steps sooner rather than later, even if they’re initially more expensive. "We remind schools that waiting often costs more in the long term, even if a project seems costly now. Future-proofing, like investing in renewable heating systems instead of traditional boilers, can feel like a big step, but it’s worth it."

She adds, "For instance, installing an air-source or ground-source heating system really pays off over time. Schools should look forward and see the benefits of being one of the first to make these changes—it can be great for their reputation too."

Alex sees sustainability as a signal of stability in schools: "Schools that are on top of their emissions and climate impact tend to be more organized overall. They’re often better financially managed and happier places to work. And there’s a real marketing advantage, too—parents want to send their kids to schools that take climate action seriously, so it helps with admissions as well."

What do you love about your job?

What makes you look at your schedule and think, “this is the best day ever”?

Alex Green: "I love hearing about real changes that happen because of Let’s Go Zero. Recently, an advisor told me about working with a multi-academy trust that found out their heating was set to reach 20°C by 6 a.m. each day—they were heating the schools way too early, without realizing it. They adjusted their settings, and now they’re saving 20-30% on heating across about 20 schools! That’s the kind of impact that makes me think, ‘Wow, we’re really making a difference.’"

She also enjoys the smaller stories that come in from schools: "Kids get so excited about wildflower areas or new menu changes. It’s those little changes that add up."

Collaboration

(sometimes competitive collaboration!) is key to pushing new industries forward. Who are your partners, and how do you they influence your approach?

Alex highlights the unique position of Let’s Go Zero: "We’re not selling anything to schools, which keeps us unbiased and focused on what’s best for them. Philanthropic partnerships are straightforward, but we also work with private organizations offering solar, LED installations, and other services, as they bring so much practical expertise."

How is it all going?

Alex Green: "A huge step forward was getting two of our proposals into the national strategy, meaning every school must appoint a sustainability lead and create a climate action plan by 2025."

To help schools reach these goals, Let’s Go Zero also introduced a team of 32 climate action advisors working locally across England. These advisors are there for school leaders, offering practical guidance and tailored solutions. Alex stresses how valuable this personal support can be: "School leaders are stretched so thin, and climate action is often far down on their list of urgent issues. Having someone local who can provide direct help makes a big difference."

What emerging trends or technologies are you most excited about?

How do you see these influencing your industry over the next 5 to 10 years?

Alex is optimistic about the role that sustainable tech will play in education. "The schools that start adopting these new technologies now are going to be way ahead of the curve—not just in terms of carbon footprint, but also operationally. Sustainable practices and technology are quickly becoming the new standard, and those who start now are setting themselves up for success."