South Lanarkshire Council

In a bid to engage 2.5 million young people in sustainability by 2012, more than 130 schools and thousands of pupils across Lanarkshire got involved in the Pod programme which was set up by EDF Energy.

Working with the Eco-Schools programme, Pod helps children learn about a range of environmental issues and provides the resources they need to save energy and cut school and community carbon footprints.

Since its launch in 2008, more than 11,500 schools and colleges have become involved in the programme and through the Pod website, teachers can share ideas and showcase their school's achievements.

The interactive website for teachers provides free lesson plans, activities, assemblies, games and information all with cross curricular links with the ethos of the programme being 'Share your ideas and inspire each other', which is why the site also encourages pupils and teachers to blog about their activities and to post photos and videos to showcase their green projects.

Teaching materials have been written with the help of the Eden Project and all activities have been endorsed by Eco-Schools, the largest environmental schools programme in the world. Completing any activity on the Pod will help with a school's application for a bronze, silver and green flag Eco-Schools award.

Robyn Broughton, EDF Energy's schools programme manager, said: "Working with Eco-Schools we've been able to support so many pupils and teachers who can use the Pod to help students 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."

EDF Energy, the first sustainability partner of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, is one of the UK's largest energy companies and the largest producer of low-carbon electricity, producing around one-fifth of the nation's electricity from its nuclear, coal and gas power stations, as well as combined heat and power plants and wind farms.

The Pod is part of London 2012's 'Get Set' education programme. Gareth Wynn, Director of the London 2012 Programme, said: "The success of the Pod Programme has far exceeded our expectations ahead of the original 2012 target, which is fantastic news.

"The programme 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."