Cornwall Climate & Community Champions Award for Young people.
Welcome to the Cornwall Climate & Community Champions Award for Young people.
The Cornwall Climate & Community Champions Award for Young People has been developed to support schools in delivering meaningful climate, nature and community action across Cornwall. The award provides a simple framework that helps schools embed sustainability into everyday learning and engage pupils in real-world environmental challenges.
Through participation, young people will develop lifelong skills and habits, learning how simple everyday actions can reduce costs, save money and contribute to a more sustainable future.
The award recognises schools that are taking action to improve sustainability, biodiversity, health and wellbeing within their school community. It celebrates the achievements of pupils, staff and wider school communities who are making a positive difference for the environment and future generations.
How the award works
Schools are encouraged to complete two foundation actions that support effective climate action:
- Develop or review a Climate Action Plan.
- Calculate their carbon footprint.
Schools that complete both foundation actions will be eligible to achieve higher award levels. If you need support with either of these actions please contact Charlotte Clarke Council Climate Award Lead.
Schools then choose three themes and complete at least three activities within each chosen theme from the following areas:
- Energy
- Transport
- Marine and Water
- Biodiversity
- Healthy Schools
- Waste and Recycling
Schools should collect evidence throughout the year to demonstrate their activities, impact and achievements. Evidence may include photographs, pupil work, newsletters, surveys, presentations, monitoring data and case studies.
Once completed, schools can submit their evidence for assessment and recognition through the Cornwall Climate & Community Champions Award. Please note this evidence can also be used to support Eco-Schools applications if the school is part of that programme.
Together, we can empower young people to become Cornwall's Climate & Community Champions of the future.
Award Levels
The Cornwall Climate & Community Champions Award recognises schools at every stage of their sustainability journey. Awards are valid for one academic year, and schools are encouraged to resubmit each year to demonstrate continued progress and achievement.
Bronze Award
Schools must:
- Submit evidence from three chosen themes.
- Upload evidence of at least three activities within each chosen theme. This could be a photograph,newsletter article, pupil work, display, certificate or presentation.
- Complete the Impact and Reflection section.
Silver Award
Schools must:
- Meet the Bronze Award criteria.
- Develop Climate Action Plan.
- Calculate their school's carbon footprint.
Gold Award
Schools must:
- Meet the Silver Award criteria.
- Demonstrate how pupils, families and/or the wider community have been involved in activities.
- Show evidence of positive impact within the school and/or local community.
- Demonstrate a whole-school commitment to sustainability and climate action.
Gold Award submissions should demonstrate that sustainability and climate action are embedded across the school and have created a positive impact beyond the classroom.
How submissions are assessed
Evidence submitted will be reviewed against the award criteria. Particular importance is given to the development of a Climate Action Plan, calculation of a school's carbon footprint, and evidence of pupil, family and community engagement.
Schools can start their journey towards the Cornwall Climate & Community Champions Award at any point during the year. The award can be completed over one academic year or across two terms, allowing schools to work at a pace that suits their circumstances.
Please note:
The award has been designed to support schools in developing a Climate Action Plan and understanding their carbon footprint. These are important foundations for effective climate action and are required to achieve Silver and Gold awards.
Schools taking part will be able to submit their application between 1 June and 30 July 2027. A submission link will be sent to participating schools on 1 June 2027.
Please ensure you have all supporting evidence ready before starting your application, as submissions must be completed in one session and cannot be saved and returned to later.
Estimated completion time: 40 to 60 minutes.
Participation in the Cornwall Climate & Community Champions Award is completely free. There is no cost to register, submit evidence or receive an award.
Schools wishing to take part in the Cornwall Climate & Community Champions Award should complete the short registration form below.
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Email ebp@cornwall.gov.uk