Our Classroom Climate (OCC) has announced a new partnership with renewable energy developer Bute Energy, aimed at bringing innovative sustainability education to five primary schools located near Bute Energy’s onshore wind projects in Wales.
This collaboration goes beyond simply providing classroom resources; it is about equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to build a greener, more sustainable future. With support from Bute Energy, pupils will have access to cutting-edge technologies such as algal bioreactors—living systems that absorb carbon dioxide and harmful pollutants from the air, providing a real-time, tangible demonstration of climate action within the classroom.
One of the schools taking part in the programme is Llanbister Primary School. Teacher Abi Powell commented:
“The new Welsh curriculum is so diverse and everything interlinks – the Our Classroom Climate programme definitely fits the ethos within our school.
We are basing our learning on experiential learning, and these workshops really drive home our sustainability message to the children.
It gives them practical activities and the opportunity to speak to experts in their field—which we as teachers feel is much more worthwhile for the children.”
As Bute Energy continues to expand its network of onshore wind farms—expected to generate enough clean energy to power over 2.2 million homes—the company remains committed to creating long-term value that extends beyond renewable energy generation. This initiative forms part of Bute Energy’s wider Net Zero Skills Strategy, designed to prepare future generations for careers in the green economy.
Catrin Leader, who is responsible for elements of the strategy at Bute Energy, said:
“This partnership with Our Classroom Climate adds a new dimension to our Net Zero Skills Strategy and highlights our commitment to delivering lasting value for communities alongside clean energy.
At a time when we must inspire the next generation to take action on climate change, we believe this programme will not only help pupils understand the issues but also provide a sense of optimism about their future.”
Bringing Sustainability to Life in the Classroom
At the core of the OCC programme are algal bioreactors—devices that function like 10-year-old oak trees, converting CO? into oxygen and visibly improving air quality. These bioreactors provide a powerful way for pupils to experience sustainability in action. In addition to this, participating schools benefit from engaging digital resources and expert-led workshops designed to enrich learning and ignite curiosity around environmental issues.
Mark Douglas, founder of Our Classroom Climate, added:
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Bute Energy on their sustainability journey. Our programme equips schools with essential digital resources on climate change while also giving young people a glimpse into future technologies and green career paths.
Seeing two Wales-based organisations working together to harness our natural resources and invest in long-term opportunities is truly inspiring.”
Wales is forecast to need around 25,000 green jobs by 2050—from planners and engineers to project managers. With up to 2,000 of these roles expected to be created through Bute Energy’s projects alone, there is both a significant opportunity and an urgent need to engage and prepare the next generation.
Through partnerships like this, OCC and Bute Energy are proving that meaningful change is possible—when education, innovation, and community come together.
