Energy News

Children encouraged to ‘Green Up’

Tuesday 16 September, 2008

British Gas launched a TV campaign yesterday, in conjunction with ITV, to support its Generation Green schools initiative, encouraging children to become more energy efficient around their homes.

Fronting their Generation Green schools initiative, British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk) is sponsoring an ITV children’s television show called ‘Green Up Your Life’, a series of five minutes programmes featuring teams of kids partaking in environmental challenges, such as recycling and water saving. At the end of the ten-part series, one team of children will be crowned champion “eco ranger”.

British Gas’ Generation Green programme awards “Green Leaves” vouchers to participating schools for energy efficient behaviour, such as turning off lights and computers. The vouchers can be redeemed through the website in exchange for renewable energy products and educational equipment for schools, including weather stations and botanical kits.

“...one team of children will be crowned champion 'eco rangers'...”

More than 4,000 schools have joined the scheme, which is run by British Gas’s New Energy division, since its launch in May of this year.

The TV programme will be aired this autumn on CiTV, with online content across itv.com and citv.co.uk.

ITV planning controller Ben Louis said of the educational programme: “Green Up Your Life is the result of an effective partnership created from ITV's shared mission with British Gas to engage and entertain kids about important green issues. It's also a great example of ITV providing creative solutions to client briefs and in a collaborative way across ITV's multi-platform assets.”

Several ads will also be aired until October 12, across terrestrial and digital TV, as well as children’s channels Nickelodeon and the Cartoon Network, encouraging both parents and kids to get involved in the Generation Green schools programme, by showing children going to extreme lengths to be greener.

Chris Eagle, Financial Director of EnergyChoices.co.uk said of the campaign: “This is a really proactive way of teaching energy efficiency at a young age, whilst also helping children to understand how the climate is changing through the use of fossil fuels. If you are interested in becoming more energy efficient, read our guide on how to reduce your energy bills in 10 easy steps.”