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How We’re Partnering with Our Classroom Climate to Drive Climate Education in Wales

We’re proud to partner with Our Classroom Climate (OCC), a leading climate change education programme, to bring hands-on sustainability learning to five primary schools near our energy parks in Wales. 

This isn’t just about providing resources—it’s about empowering young people with the knowledge and tools they need to create a greener, more sustainable future. Our partnership will give these schools access to cutting-edge resources like algal bioreactors, which remove CO2 and harmful pollutants from the air. These technologies will support pupils in learning about climate action in a real, tangible way, right in their classrooms. 

One of the schools fortunate to receive a package is Llanbister Primary School.  Abi Powell, a teacher at the school said: 

 

“The new [Welsh] curriculum is so diverse and everything interlinks – the [Our Classroom Climate] definitely fits the ethos within our school.   We are basing our learning on experiential learning and these workshops really drive home our [sustainability] message to the children.

“It gives them practical activities and the opportunity to speak to experts in their field - which we as teachers feel is much more worthwhile for the children.”

As we develop our family of onshore wind energy parks in Wales, which will generate enough clean energy to power over 2.2 million homes, we’re committed to doing more than just delivering renewable energy.  

Ysgol Llanbister is one of the schools to receive a sponsored package

Catrin Leader, who leads on aspects of the Net Zero Skills Strategy for Bute Energy, said: 

“This partnership with Our Classroom Climate adds a new dimension to our efforts driven by Net Zero Skills Strategy, and shows our commitment to delivering long-term value beyond clean energy generation. 

“At a time when we need to inspire the next generation to take action on climate change, we believe this programme will not only help pupils understand the issues but also give them a new sense of optimism about their future.  

“From primary school age through to higher education – we want the next generation to know that all is not lost in the face of the climate crisis and offer them the tools and motivation to make a difference in their communities.” 

Bringing Sustainability to the Classroom

At the core of OCC’s initiative are innovative algal bioreactors, which mimic natural processes by converting CO2 to oxygen and removing harmful pollutants from the air. Each classroom equipped with one of these bioreactors benefits from the same air purification properties as a 10-year-old oak tree. This cutting-edge technology gives pupils a hands-on, visible demonstration of sustainability in action, while also improving indoor air quality and enhancing their learning environment. 

Mark Douglas, the founder of Our Classroom Climate, added:

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Bute Energy on their sustainability journey. Our programme equips schools with valuable digital resources on climate change, while also giving young people a glimpse into future technologies and career opportunities in the renewable energy sector. 

“Seeing two Wales-based organisations come together to help build a cleaner, greener economy, and harness our natural resources to create long-term opportunities for all, is truly inspiring.” 

Wales needs 25,000 green jobs by 2050, including planners, project managers and engineers to name just a few of the roles which need filling.

In fact, up to 2,000 of these jobs will be created by Bute Energy’s wind energy projects alone! But who will build, operate and deliver the projects when there is such a skills shortage here in Wales?

The good news is – we believe we can be part of the solution to this big challenge. Bad news is – we don’t have much time to do it.

Learn more about our Net Zero Skills Strategy
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