Sustainable Development: meeting 8th October, 2008.

“Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

1987 Bruntland report.

Attending:

Elizabeth McFarlane, Diccon Beeny, Jane Brigginshaw, David Aeron-Thomas, Suzanne Dow, Marcus Long, Cilla Chowdry, Mary Hargreaves, Katherine Harvey, Kitty Nosworthy, Karen Franco, Jo Lynch, Alan Millingon

Many thanks to all above who attended the meeting, please find a short report of our discussion below.

After briefly introducing ourselves and outlining the purposes of the meeting year 6 teacher, Jo Lynch, explained what the school is doing already.

Jo drew our attention to the document detailing eight key areas: food and drink, energy and water, travel and traffic, purchasing and waste, buildings and grounds, inclusion and participation, local and well-being and global dimension.

It was agreed that progress has already being made and we should strive to improve greater understanding. David Aeron-Thomas (Head of Metrics, Forum for the Future, a sustainable development charity) drew our attention to the government award scheme for green schools - there was general consensus that Ravenstone should try for Bronze.

David also briefly explained the ‘transition town Tooting’ initiative and agreed to report back with developments which might be significant or useful.

Marcus Long spoke about his work with the British Standards Agency and Jane Brigginshaw (Head of Design – Schools and Buildings Sustainability) told us about government and private company backed schemes aimed at raising environmental awareness and making schools more energy efficient. In particular Jane described a system to collect rainwater through transparent pipes attached to the exterior of school buildings. It was resolved we should look into this and other similar ideas.

Parent Governor, Diccon Beeny, spoke to the group about the school Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Study (Nov 2007). In particular he drew our attention to the school’s excessive use of water. A long discussion ensued. It was suggested that, as a small step in the right direction, washing-up bowls might be placed in classroom sinks and staff might consider (again) the vast quantity of drinking water routinely wasted (each child has a bottle of tap water, what is left over at the end of the day is poured down the sink).

It was suggested that the school set up a pupil eco council; Suzanne Dow (Primary Support Assistant) offered to help with this.

It was also suggested that the P.T.A. might endeavour to make events ecologically friendly and perhaps give them a green theme - in particular at the next summer fair.

Finally, it was agreed among the group that the success of this initiative depends upon the understanding, contribution and enthusiasm of the children. If we can ensure their involvement the support of parents, and the wider community, will surely follow.

Elizabeth McFarlane, Chair of the Governing Body Premises Committee.
October 2008.