Powering the Future: Sustainable Energy Use and Production For a Net Zero Economy

What does society need to transition to a net zero economy and stop climate change?

The answer to that question is quite complex and involves individuals, communities, businesses, industries and governments all working together to establish policies and guidelines as well as design, manufacture and implement the infrastructure to achieve our goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere.

For any of this to happen, society needs highly skilled and passionate people who want to make a difference and work in these industries - which is exactly where these resources come in!

Collaborating with our generous philanthropic partners, The Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation and Boundless Earth, this Physical Sciences Unit, Powering the Future: Sustainable Energy Use and Production For a Net Zero Economy, has been designed to educate students about climate change and develop an increased awareness of and confidence to become climate solution entrepreneurs, as well as a desire to consider sustainability jobs in our future which will be incredibly important as we transition to a net zero economy.

This unit looks at climate change and the ways society can transition to a net zero economy through the lens of Physics and, in particular, Energy.

In the context of renewable energy technologies, electricity generation and climate change, students will gain an understanding of energy basics, conservation, transfers, transformations and efficiency before delving into the properties of thermal energy, including its transference and conservation. This basic knowledge leads students to be able to investigate the energy efficiency of electricity generation using both fossil fuels and renewable resources, as well as the efficiency of appliances and buildings, before exploring net zero homes and this industry's impact on creating a net zero economy. Students will use their knowledge, drawing inspiration from innovative green building projects, to design and plan a net zero home and understand the importance of sustainable energy-efficient housing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a thriving net zero economy moving forward. Students will also explore how nature can influence design, using biomimicry concepts to enhance the designs of energy-efficient renewable energy technologies. 

Throughout this unit, students will engage in a wide range of activities, from interactive discussions and hands-on experiments to research tasks and creative projects. They will ponder the jobs and technologies that will help combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will be encouraged to think critically and envision a more sustainable future, enabling them to take informed actions towards a greener planet.

These resources have been designed to support teachers to feel confident teaching about transitioning to a net zero economy using real-world examples whilst also enabling their students to take socially and environmentally responsible, positive action.