Graeme High School crowned energy-saving champions!
Graeme High School has recently been announced as the winner of the Schools Energy Challenge after successfully cutting their energy emissions by 18%, securing a £2,000 prize.
The challenge, which ran throughout the school year, tasked local high schools with reducing their gas and electricity usage month-by-month compared to the previous year.
Graeme High topped the leaderboard by significantly cutting emissions from 376.7 tonnes of CO2e in 2023/24 to 307.7 tonnes of CO2e in 2024/25.
Larbert High School secured second place with a 12% reduction, earning £1,000, and Falkirk High School came third with a 6% reduction, narrowly edging out Denny High with 5%, receiving £500.
Braes High School claimed an innovative digital campaign award, with individual pupils receiving vouchers for their creative ideas.
St Mungo's High School and Carrongrange High School also took part in the challenge.
Watt a difference
Participating schools were assessed on their total reduction in carbon emissions by measuring energy usage from gas and electricity, along with finding engaging ways to promote their efforts.
Braes High School successfully engaged with all sectors of their school, developing a workshop for S1s, creating competitions for senior pupils and teachers, and showing a central display which everyone could contribute to.
Overall winners Graeme High organised a school-wide "Day in the Dark" on World Children's Day, using only natural light across the school and asking teachers to switch off monitors and unplug devices.
Falkirk High School's Changemakers group ran an energy-saving checklist campaign, used the school newsletter, and produced videos to promote conservation. They also partnered with the Fourth Environment Link to showcase their efforts online.
Meanwhile, Denny High School used Tannoy announcements, posters and TikTok videos to raise awareness. They also encouraged using natural light and asked classes to keep lights off throughout certain periods.
Councillor Bryan Deakin, Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Climate Change, said:
Our pupils have shown impressive leadership throughout the Schools Energy Challenge and setting a strong example for communities across Falkirk.
"Well done to Graeme High School as eventual winners along with everyone involved, your efforts are making a real difference in tackling climate change and reducing energy consumption.
Schools are required to demonstrate pupils’ involvement in deciding how to spend the prize money, further encouraging young people's leadership and engagement with sustainability initiatives.
You can find the full scores of each school below.