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<p>The Department of Education is supporting sustainability both through the content
taught to students, and through supporting our schools to become more sustainable
institutions.</p><p>It is important that young people are taught about climate change
and sustainability. Topics related to this are included in both the science and geography
curriculum and qualifications. For example, in primary science pupils are taught about
how environments can change as a result of human actions. In secondary science, pupils
are taught about the production of carbon dioxide by human activity and the effect
this has on the climate. This is expanded on in GCSE science where pupils will consider
the evidence for additional anthropogenic causes of climate change. As part of GCSE
geography pupils will look at the causes, consequences of and responses to extreme
weather conditions and natural weather hazards. In 2017, we also introduced a new
environmental science A level. This will enable students to study topics that will
support their understanding of climate change and how it can be tackled.</p><p>In
addition, sustainability content will be included in T levels, new post-16 technical
study programs. In setting outline content, the T level panels of employers and industry
experts must consider the inclusion of sustainability as relevant to their sector.
For example, in Construction, T level students will be required to learn about renewable
energy and emerging technologies to support energy efficiency.</p><p>The Department
support sustainability through our capital funding and programmes, both to reduce
carbon and save schools money on energy. Schools can use their condition funding to
invest in improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, interest free loans for energy
efficiency projects in maintained schools are available through the Government backed
Salix finance scheme. Salix loans have also been made available to academies through
an annual application process. More broadly, we are working with colleagues across
the Government on carbon reduction and energy efficiency and developing thinking on
how future capital programmes can contribute further.</p><p> </p><p>During procurements,
Department for Education considers how this might improve the economic, social and
environmental well-being of the area, where this is relevant to the subject matter
of the contract.</p><p>From April, the Department will begin implementation of new
government guidance on Social Value, which requires central Government Departments
to take account of social impact as part of the award criteria where this is linked
to the subject matter of the contract and proportionate. This may include reducing
environmental impacts.</p>
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