Press Release
For immediate release

CIWM and The Sustainables Academy Launch National Competition for Primary Schools

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and The Sustainables Academy have joined forces to launch a free competition for UK primary schools, called ‘Design the Resource Revolution Centre’. With funding from CIWM, this nationwide initiative combines industry expertise and education to inspire the next generation of leaders in resource and waste management, circular economy, and sustainability.

Launching in schools in April 2025, with resources already available for educators to begin planning, the competition is set to improve environmental education by focusing on the 10Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, Re-purpose, Rethink, Regenerate, Redesign, and Recover). Aimed at over 200 primary schools across the UK, learners will engage with concepts of better reuse, recycling, innovative technology, green skills, and actions that support Earth stewardship.

The purpose of the initiative is to challenge young minds to think critically about materials and waste management and the circular economy. It also explores the key responsibilities of individuals, communities, businesses, and governments in safeguarding the planet’s resources. By encouraging schools to integrate this project into their sustainability action plans, the competition creates a learner-led approach that develops practical skills, drives innovation, and promotes sustainability awareness.

The Resource Revolution Centre competition aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and the Eco-Schools framework. It is a highly valuable tool for schools to meet sustainability action planning requirements, while developing a culture of environmental responsibility and creativity.
The CIWM and The Sustainables Academy partnership demonstrates the importance of connecting education with industry expertise. It introduces learners to real-world applications of waste management and the circular economy, exploring how green technologies and innovation can reduce carbon footprint and protect the environment.
"By integrating critical thinking, innovation, and environmental stewardship into the classroom, this competition empowers young people to design the future of sustainable resource management," said Dan Cooke, Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs at CIWM. "This is more than just a competition — it’s an opportunity to change mindsets, promote green skills development, and foster a deeper understanding of resources and waste management and the circular economy."

The programme is designed to be fully accessible for learners and adaptable for schools. This simplifies the process of integrating the programme into existing school curriculums and tailoring it to the sustainability goals of individual schools. In addition, teachers can access a suite of free educational resources to guide their learners in planning and executing their Resource Revolution Centre designs.
For more information, visit www.thesustainablesacademy.org or contact info@thesustainablesacademy.com.

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Notes to Editors

Press contact:
Kacie Foskett
T: +44 (0) 1604 620426
E: kacie.foskett@ciwm.co.uk