Climate Detectives Projects 2018-2019

Project title: carbon footprint

Team: COLEGIO LA MAGDALENA

2018-2019   COLEGIO LA MAGDALENA   Castellón de la Plana   Spain   22 Student’s age: 12-13, 14-15

We have researched and calculated the carbon footprint of our school. This method is a count of emissions of carbon dioxide, or CO2 that are expelled into the environment as a product of our day-to-day activities. We will know the impact that we leave with just carrying our daily routine at school and we will try to mitigate this impact.

The students in La Magdalena school have measured our carbon footprint. We have used a calculator from the Home Office to calculate Scope 1 emissions also called Direct Emissions (Fossil fuels) and Emissions of Scope 2 or Indirect (Electricity). We have calculated 66 tonnes CO2-equivalent per year. The objective of this activity is to raise awareness amongst students, and society in general, of the importance of reducing these CO2 emissions.

Once the size of a carbon footprint is known, a strategy can be devised to reduce it, e.g. We have made a series of proposals: Measure No. 1. Education: We have conducted seminars and talks to other students with an aim to encourage a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment. There has also been a radio programme explaining the project and we have composed a song “Si tu quieres a nuestro planeta” Measure No. 2. Electric power: We encourage behaviours such as turning off lights and equipment when it is not being used. We want to reduce our energy expenditure. Measure No. 3. Use responsible heating: We have made posters reminding that there will be no heat leakage when door and windows are properly closed. Measure No. 4. Waste: We want to encourage recycling to reduce waste. The most common way to reduce the carbon footprint of humans is to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse. Measure No. 5. Reusage: We need to reuse material where possible. We encourage using porcelain cups rather than plastic cups. Measure No. 6. Fossil fuels: We have reduced private transport. We want students to travel by bus or share a private car to get to school. Measure No. 7 Compensation of the carbon footprint; reforestation: We planted thirty-five pine trees (Pinus Alepensis) near the school. The City Council provided us with a mobile unit with water, gardening supplies and two forest guards that helped us to plant them.