EDF Energy, the first sustainability partner of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, set an ambitious target of engaging 2.5 million young people in sustainability by 2012 in its Sustainability Commitments - one of the biggest environmental and social programmes of any British energy company.

This target was set in February 2008 and, according to the most recent figures, has now been met nearly a year ahead of schedule, they claim.

Robyn Broughton, EDF Energy's Schools Programme Manager, said: "EDF Energy is delighted that, working with Eco-Schools, we've been able to support thousands of teachers across the country who can use the Pod to help their pupils learn about and embrace green issues and make a real difference to their schools and local environments.

"We're extremely proud of the fantastic feedback we get from teachers and the incredible enthusiasm and commitment children show to sustainability.

"The programme seems to have helped make a real difference to children's understanding of green issues and EDF Energy intends to continue to drive this awareness through The Pod as we work towards 2012 and beyond."

The Pod is part of London 2012's 'Get Set' education programme and EDF Energy hopes its engagement with young people in the lead up to the Games will contribute to powerful legacy of sustainability for London 2012.

Children up and down the country have benefitted from EDF Energy's the Pod since its launch in September 2008, with over 11,500 schools and colleges now involved.

The Pod website, www.jointhepod.org, is an online resource for teachers, and a platform where they can share ideas and showcase school achievements.



Working with partner Eco-Schools, the programme helps children learn about a range of environmental issues and offers resources to help them save energy and cut school and community carbon footprints.

Exactly 45 per cent of primary schools and 43 per cent of all schools in England are members of the Pod - more than are registered with the schools programme of any other UK energy company.

Gareth Wynn, Director of London 2012 Programme, EDF Group said: "The success of EDF Energy's Schools Programme in raising children's awareness and engagement with sustainability has far exceeded our expectations ahead of the original 2012 target, which is fantastic news.

"The Pod is a key part of how EDF Energy is using our partnership with London 2012 to inspire millions of people to reduce their impact on the environment.

"The enthusiasm that we've seen from The Pod's schools has shown the great potential that rests with the next generation, and their commitment to become more sustainable is an important part of the legacy we want to leave from our part in the Games."

Darren Woodward, headteacher of Kedington Primary school in Suffolk, two of who's pupils met London 2012 Paralympic tennis Marc McCarroll (pictured), added: "Since we became involved with EDF Energy's School Programme, the Pod, we've seen a huge amount of enthusiasm not only from our pupils, but also from our staff, who've welcomed the opportunity to bring more green issues into the classroom.

"Sustainability and low carbon living are a priority to our school, so it's really encouraging that EDF Energy has already engaged so many schoolchildren like ours across the UK, helping them to take action to reduce their carbon footprints."

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