The Net Zero Challenge is a project-based activity for young people to help their local community reach Net Zero.
The Net Zero Challenge is an opportunity for tomorrow’s generation to take social action by tackling climate change where they live, and it supports educators in meeting their curriculum and careers objectives.
The challenge is for students to help their community reach Net Zero. Climate change is the biggest issue future generations face. And it’s widely believed that if we can achieve Net Zero carbon emissions – whereby the amount of carbon we put into the atmosphere is equivalent to the amount we take out – we stand a chance of slowing down its effects.
What’s in the project pack?
The challenge is for students to help their community reach Net Zero. Climate change is the biggest issue future generations face. And it’s widely believed that if we can achieve Net Zero carbon emissions – whereby the amount of carbon we put into the atmosphere is equivalent to the amount we take out – we stand a chance of slowing down its effects.
Guidance for teachers
Information for students
Net Zero projects
Why Net Zero?
It’s widely believed that if we can achieve Net Zero carbon emissions, we stand a chance of slowing down the effects of climate change. The UK Government has made it a legal requirement to reach Net Zero by 2050. And we’re doing everything we can to help at EDF.
Whether it’s building new nuclear power stations. Investing in renewables – like wind turbines, solar panels and battery storage. Or supporting homes in switching to a low-carbon lifestyle, with electric cars and electric heating.
The Net Zero Challenge is a way for students to understand the changes that are required on a national and local scale to reach Net Zero. And how they can take social action within their own community to make a difference.
How to use the Net Zero Challenge
Teacher-led learning
Adapt the Challenge to support curriculum learning in subjects like Science, Geography or Social Studies - whether in the classroom or delivered remotely.
Youth social action
Use the Challenge to support students who want to take action against climate change. The case studies provide inspiration and demonstrate what measures communities are rolling out.
Enrichment / themed week
Make the Challenge the focus of an enrichment or off-timetable week. Link into topical events, like COP26, or run it as an inter-year competition with an external judging panel.
Careers insight programme
Invite local businesses into school to deliver relevant careers insight or incorporate the Challenge into their work insight programmes.
STEM / Eco Club activity
Set the Challenge as the Club’s termly activity - consider offering prizes for the best response, inviting relevant local businesses to talk about what they do, or creating a Dragons Den-style competition.
Get started with the Net Zero Challenge!
Completed the Net Zero Challenge?
Give us feedback
Student quiz
Share students’ responses
Further learning
Visit a power station
Find out how we generate electricity with a tour of one of our power stations, followed by a curriculum-linked activity at the local visitor centre.
Workshop on Net Zero
Schools local to the new nuclear power station we’re building in Somerset can book a free workshop on Net Zero through our HPC Inspire education programme.
Teacher resources
We have a bank of lesson plans and assemblies to support your delivery of key curriculum topics and help you achieve the Gatsby Benchmarks.
Find out more about nuclear energy
Hinkley Point C
We’re building the first in a new generation of nuclear power stations at Hinkley Point C in Somerset, providing low-carbon electricity for around six million homes.
Sizewell C
Sizewell C is our proposed new nuclear power station in Suffolk. It will replicate Hinkley Point C and bring investment to the East of England.