Carbon Monoxide

Need

Gas distribution networks (GDN), including Cadent Gas, recognise the importance of everyone knowing the signs of a carbon monoxide leak and what to do if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in the home. This doesn’t just apply to adults. They are also on a mission to educate our nation’s children and help them understand the risks posed by carbon monoxide (CO).  

Cadent Gas recognised the need for a complementary type of education.

Approach

Our approach was to develop the modules that focused on reducing the risk of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in communities through a game-based solution that raises awareness of the potentially harmful effect of CO, including how to avoid the risks of CO, awareness of the national gas emergency help line and the understanding the risks associated with gas assets around your home/property.  

Deliverables

We facilitated the design and delivery of a tailored schools’ programme, to Cadent Gas’ specific environmental and social objectives, built on an evidence-based model, with immediate and measurable impact:  

  • Agreed module key learnings.
  • Designed and built four Minecraft modules for schools to incorporate into their curriculum or for children to be able to attend class from home. 
  • Agreed target geographies and target numbers of schools and plan of school engagement.  
  • Designed a measurement tool to gather evidence of impact for targeted programmes, building on the established school energy efficiency module.   
  • Facilitated the establishment of partnerships between schools and Cadent Gas, recruiting schools in selected geographies.
  • Facilitated children’s steering groups. 
  • Regular project governance reporting through our ‘Skewb One’ project management system. 
Benefits
  • Community members – particularly the most vulnerable members of communities, including awareness of how networks can support to address fuel poverty; greater awareness of risks associated with Carbon Monoxide.  
  • School engagement – Cadent Gas saw the positive impact gaming had on children teaching a serious subject matter.
  • Future Energy Consumers – Future hydrogen gas users will be emerging through the school programme.  
  • Potential future employees across the energy and utility sector – children who are inspired what they have learnt and their interest in STEM subjects and careers in the sector.  
  • Because Minecraft learning platform can be used remotely, quality education is available for children everywhere, not only in large cities.  
  • Measurable learning – Only 51% of children knew about the 0800 number and what to do if they smell gas ahead of playing the module. We undertook the exit survey and 100% of those who completed the survey demonstrated awareness of how to contact 0800 gas emergency line and basic understanding the risk of carbon monoxide exposure and how this could be avoided.