English UK launches first initiative of 2022 bolstering environmental action

The idea was created amid the events of COP26, the international climate change conference that took place last November in Glasgow.

The action plan will be carried out through a number of commitments by the association, including but not limited to reducing emissions from energy, water, transport, consumption and events, measuring and reporting the association’s carbon footprint, and lobbying for environmental action that supports the ELT sector.

“There is a growing green ELT movement in our sector and last November the English UK board decided sustainability should be a priority for our association,” said Jodie Gray, chief executive of English UK.

“We are proud to publish the first environmental and climate action plan for UK ELT,” she continued.

The plan is the second strand of the association’s “corporate social responsibility commitment”, coming just over half a year after it released its antiracism action plan.

“UK ELT can empower, motivate and help people from around the world take environmental action”

The association will soon release an “industry-wide” survey to gauge what action is already being taken around the sector, and how it can build on that action and “hear the ideas and feedback on our plan”.

An action group will also be formed within the English UK team to “drive through real, lasting change”.

“We are ready to take real, ambitious and thoughtful action to champion and advance a greener UK ELT industry,” Gray declared.

“Education is key to addressing climate change – we have a duty to equip students with the knowledge and language they need to face the biggest issues of our time,” the plan reads.

“UK ELT can empower, motivate and help people from around the world take environmental action,” it continues.

It also mentions how the UK, where the association is originated and based, is one of the “richest and most carbon intense countries, especially historically” – making it all the more important those richer countries act and stop the worst effects that generally affect poorer countries.

“We invite everyone in UK ELT to join us in taking urgent and impactful action to help address the climate and ecological crises. Together we can create and celebrate a green UK ELT sector,” Gray added.