LIBERTY Steel UK and GFG Foundation Lead Climate Education

LIBERTY Steel UK participated in Carbon Capture workshops at Wath Academy and Stocksbridge High School, organized by the Engineering Development Trust (EDT) and supported by the GFG Foundation.

Year 7 and 8 students from these two schools took part in the half-day event to raise awareness of climate change, air pollution, and the importance of carbon capture. The students conducted research to explore their own carbon footprint and consider ways to reduce it, such as improving recycling of household rubbish, composting organic waste, and growing fruits and vegetables. Armed with this newly acquired knowledge, the students were then assigned the task of designing and building a model of an eco-garden using various craft materials.

GFG Foundation Manager, Claire Neilson, and professionals from LIBERTY Steel UK assisted the students with their tasks. They also explained the role that LIBERTY Steel and the GFG Alliance are playing in reducing our carbon footprint and achieving net zero emissions through their CN30 ambitions.

“Investing in future generations is something that we are passionate about at the GFG Foundation and it’s critical to a sustainable future. We’ve delivered several carbon capture workshops in schools, and it’s great to see how engaged the students are when it comes to understanding more about how we can protect the environment.”

Dr. Claire Neilson, Manager of the GFG Foundation

Head of Environment and Sustainability at LIBERTY Steel UK, Ed Heath-Whyte, stated, “I am certain that it is important to start educating children about climate change in school, and year 7 is a suitable age for this. This generation of children will have a significant impact on climate change.

By developing a better understanding of climate change, they will be able to contribute to future solutions. Even at their current age, they can engage in activities such as recycling, being mindful of lighting usage, conserving water, walking more, and reducing their carbon footprint. Therefore, carbon workshops are crucial events as they equip children with the skills and knowledge they will need in the future.”

Daniel Skelton, Stocksbridge High School Subject Leader of Engineering and Design Technology, commented, “Stocksbridge High School students experienced a fantastic engineering development day delivered by the GFG Foundation in partnership with LIBERTY Steel UK, which left students inspired. They had the opportunity to firsthand investigate the work carried out by engineers dedicated to transforming society into a more environmentally friendly one.

Understanding the impact of engineering on our daily lives is crucial for students as it fosters a deep appreciation of the pivotal role engineers play in shaping our world. By exploring the connection between engineering and societal progress, students can grasp how innovative solutions and sustainable practices implemented by engineers have the power to address society’s future challenges.”

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The GFG Foundation focuses on programs to support people, particularly young people, to reach their potential and strengthen industries and local communities by boosting skills and employment prospects. Along the way, our people are involved through mentoring programmes and transfer their skills, knowledge and experience to the next generation.