November 14, 2025 / By rachel
13 November 2025 – Cheltenham Borough Council Chambers swapped their day to day rountine to host ‘global’ climate negotiations as students from 14 Gloucestershire secondary schools took part in the Gloucestershire Climate Conference, part of InterClimate Network’s UK-wide Schools COP30 programme.
Around 65 students from 14 local schools stepped into the shoes of international delegates, representing countries from Brazil to Bangladesh as they negotiated climate pledges in a realistic UN style debate. The pupils had thoroughly researched the countries they were representing and arrived impressively well briefed, with the delegation speaking for the USA playing their part particularly convincingly. A special mention also goes to pupils from The High School Leckhampton, who spoke passionately about their school’s eco status and ongoing sustainability work. The conference then shifted closer to home, with students questioning councillors and business representatives on everything from affordable climate action to the green skills needed in tomorrow’s workforce.
RRA Architects was delighted to sponsor the event alongside Gloucestershire County Council, Precision Green Energy, Spirax Sarco and Cheltenham Borough Council, who hosted the conference in the historic council chamber. Our support forms part of celebrating Managing Director Mark Powles’ 30 years with the practice, reflecting his long standing commitment to low energy, sustainable design in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and beyond.
For our team, the highlight of the day was seeing how confidently the students tackled complex climate issues and how unwilling they were to settle for vague promises. Their questions were sharp, their ideas were practical and their ambition for change gives us hope.
If this is the next generation of decision makers, the future of Gloucestershire and the world looks a lot brighter.