FEATURE FOCUS: SUSTAINABILITY


flushing toilets, further reducing the need for potable water.


Encouraging students and staff to be mindful of water usage through educational programs and signage can also contribute to overall conservation efforts.


Food for thought - Schools can adopt sustainable food practices by prioritising locally sourced, organic, and seasonal produce in their cafeterias. Reducing the consumption of meat, particularly red meat, and offering plant-based options can lower the school’s environmental impact, as livestock farming is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, schools can promote healthy eating by educating students about the environmental benefits of sustainable food choices. Schools might also consider establishing school gardens, where students can grow their own produce, learning firsthand about food production and sustainability while reducing the need for packaged food.


Transport - Transport is another area where schools can make a positive impact on the environment. Encouraging students, staff, and parents to use sustainable transport options, such as walking, cycling, or public transportation, can significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with school commutes.


Schools can further support this by providing secure bike storage, offering incentives for cycling to school, or setting up carpool programs to reduce the number of cars on the road. For longer trips, such as school outings, schools can prioritise using eco-friendly transport options like electric buses.


Green school buildings - Designing and constructing school buildings with sustainability in mind can help create an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly learning environment. Many new schools are being built to meet green building standards, using sustainable materials and designs that maximise natural light and ventilation to reduce energy consumption.


For existing buildings, retrofitting with energy-efficient systems such as insulation, triple-glazed windows, and green roofs can also significantly improve sustainability. A well-insulated building reduces the need for excessive heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, leading to both environmental and financial benefits.


Creating a culture of sustainability


The above measures are all viable steps for schools to take on their road to becoming more sustainable. But how can schools best embed sustainability practices into their day-to-day running - and, in turn, their school culture?


Environmental education and curriculum integration - One way to enable schools to educate pupils on sustainability would be to integrate environmental topics into the curriculum. Sustainability can be explored in subjects such as geography, science, and even art and design, allowing students to understand the real-world impact of their choices.


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For example, science lessons can focus on the science of climate change, while geography classes can explore renewable energy sources or the impact of deforestation. School projects, field trips, and outdoor learning activities can further enhance students’ understanding of sustainability and encourage them to take action in their own lives.


Incorporating sustainability into the school’s ethos, with lessons on environmental stewardship, can also create a school culture that values sustainability and encourages responsible behavior.


Student and staff involvement - Engaging students and staff in sustainability initiatives is essential for creating lasting change. Schools can set up environmental clubs, where students can take the lead in organising campaigns and initiatives, such as tree planting or energy- saving competitions. These clubs can also work on specific projects, such as creating a school- wide waste reduction plan or designing a more sustainable school garden.


Staff involvement is equally important. Teachers and school leaders should model sustainable behaviors, from recycling to using energy-efficient equipment. Regular staff meetings can also include discussions on sustainability, with a focus on identifying new ways to make the school operations more eco- friendly.


Community partnerships - Schools can also collaborate with local communities, businesses, and environmental organisations to create a wider impact. Partnering with local councils on recycling programs, or working with businesses to source sustainable school supplies, can help build a stronger, more sustainable network. Additionally, schools can invite guest speakers, such as environmental experts or activists, to discuss sustainability with students, giving them real-world examples of how they can contribute to environmental conservation.


Why prioritise sustainability?


Schools occupy a privileged position in that they have the opportunity to instill an understanding of - and belief in - the importance of sustainability in their students, in the hope that they will carry this forward into their adult lives. That should be reason enough to make sustainability a priority, but there are also other - more immediate - benefits for schools as well.


Responsible citizenship - By implementing sustainability measures, schools provide students with the knowledge and skills to make environmentally conscious decisions. Teaching sustainability can help raise awareness about global challenges, such as climate change, and inspire students to become responsible citizens who will work to protect the environment in the future. Schools that teach sustainability are contributing to the development of an environmentally literate generation, which is essential in the fight against climate change.


Cost savings - Sustainability efforts can also lead to significant cost savings for schools. By reducing energy and water consumption, schools can lower their utility bills. Investments


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in renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, may have an initial cost but can provide long-term savings. Similarly, waste reduction measures can cut disposal costs and even generate income through recycling programs. Additionally, by promoting sustainable practices, schools can reduce costs associated with school supplies, such as paper, through digital alternatives and more efficient use of resources.


Healthier learning environments - Sustainable schools tend to offer healthier learning environments for students and staff. For example, reducing energy consumption often means improving indoor air quality through better ventilation and reducing exposure to pollutants. Schools that use sustainable materials and avoid harmful chemicals in cleaning products create safer and more comfortable spaces for students to learn. Further, incorporating green spaces such as school gardens and outdoor classrooms provides students with opportunities for physical activity, fresh air, and connection to nature, all of which contribute to well-being.


Social responsibility and leadership - By prioritising sustainability, schools can model responsible behavior for the wider community. In a time when climate change and environmental degradation are pressing global issues, schools have a role to play in leading by example. They can demonstrate how small actions, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable food systems, can contribute to a healthier planet. Additionally, sustainable schools are more likely to attract parents, students, and staff who value environmental responsibility, helping to build a positive reputation and strengthen the school’s role within the community.


Compliance with government policies and legislation - The UK government has set ambitious targets for carbon neutrality, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 68% by 2030. Schools that take steps to become more sustainable not only help meet these national goals but may also receive support in the form of grants or funding for green initiatives. Furthermore, schools that prioritise sustainability align themselves with the broader educational policies and initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impacts, such as the Department for Education’s guidance on sustainable schools.


From energy efficiency and waste reduction to promoting environmental education, there are myriad ways in which schools can look to become more sustainable. By incorporating sustainability into their day-to-day running, schools can lead by example, fostering a generation of young people who are equipped to face the challenges of a changing world - and motivated to protect the planet for the generations which succeed them.


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