Braes High School claims Climate Action Project of the Year Award
Braes High School has secured the Climate Action Project of the Year award at the annual Eco-Schools Scotland Awards, hosted by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.
The school was jointly awarded the prize alongside Leverhulme Memorial School from the Western Isles, both recognised for showing outstanding leadership and action in environmental sustainability as Keep Scotland Beautiful celebrated its 30th anniversary of Eco-Schools in Scotland.
The accolade follows Braes High School’s successful certification as carbon neutral for the 2022-2023 academic year, achieved through ongoing collaboration with sustainability organisation One Carbon World.
A key factor in Braes High’s success included hosting a pupil-led climate summit in September 2024, bringing together pupils from all high schools across the Falkirk area, empowering young people to actively shape future climate action both locally and internationally.
Pupils participated in workshops and discussions aimed at addressing the climate crisis, resulting in the creation of the "Falkirk Agreement", a document outlining their collective vision and recommendations for climate policy and action.
Braes High students and volunteers facilitated sessions alongside guest speakers from various organisations, including Keep Scotland Beautiful, INEOS, and Learning Through Landscapes.
Key decision-makers, such as MPs and MSPs, also attended, ensuring the students’ voices were represented at higher levels of policy discussion.
Iain Livingstone, Head Teacher at Braes High School said:
This award recognises our young people’s commitment to climate action, the leadership they have shown and the way in which they have worked with pupils across Falkirk schools to raise awareness and support change.
“The climate summit and the creation of the Falkirk Agreement highlight just how powerful young voices can be in making a real difference, and we look forward to continuing this incredibly important work.
Councillor Bryan Deakin, spokesperson for Climate Change said:
Young people have shown a deep interest in understanding sustainability and voicing their concerns about the lack of action on climate change.
“This event, designed with objectives similar to global COP summits, gives students the chance to share their ideas and create a roadmap for meaningful change.
The final "Falkirk Agreement" has been shared with influential stakeholders, amplifying the call for meaningful climate action driven by young people.