STEM News

2026 March Idle Off and Kiss n Go. 

Sustainability at CHPS.

With the increase in our signed ‘Kiss and Go’ zone here at CHPS and the weather beginning to cool down, our parents and carers might like to consider the effect of leaving a car running while doing drop off and pick up

The ‘Idle Off’ campaign encourages drivers to turn off their engines when parked, particularly near schools, to reduce harmful exhaust emissions that threaten children's health, such as being a trigger for over 30% of recorded asthma. By avoiding unnecessary idling for more than 10 seconds drivers can significantly lower pollution, improve air quality, and save fuel.

Health Benefits: Idling creates concentrated, unhealthy, and toxic pollution near schools and child care centres.

Children are most at risk

- Kids’ lungs are still developing and they breathe more air relative to their body size than adults.

- Short-term exposure to traffic pollution can trigger asthma attacks and respiratory irritation, while repeated exposure can affect lung, heart, and brain development.

- An idling car can produce concentrated pollutants that linger at breathing height — leaving an engine running near a child can be equivalent to smoking a cigarette around them. Diesel exhaust produces the most pollutants.

Environmental Impact: 

Idling wastes fuel, reduces air quality, and contributes to climate change.

Efficiency: $$$$$$$$$

For stops longer than 7–10 seconds wastes more fuel than restarting the engine, while also causing increased engine wear, higher maintenance costs, and reduced component lifespan. A 15 minute idle a day will cost more in fuel each week than a Friday coffee at the van! That's up to  $240 a year