The Sustainability & Climate Change Strategy from the Department for Education states: “By 2025, all education settings will have nominated a sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan”. This includes early years settings, schools, multi-academy trusts, colleges, and universities.
Why has the department for education made this recommendation?
The UK government has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. By reducing their own emissions and promoting sustainable practices, schools can play a crucial role in achieving this target. By involving the whole school community, Climate Action Plans can also foster a culture of sustainability and prepare young people with the skills and values needed for a greener future.
What does a Climate Action Plan need to include?
A holistic climate action plan should cover the following 5 key areas:
Decarbonisation
Reducing carbon emissions from school buildings, transport, and operations through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable procurement.
Adaption and Resilience
Preparing schools for climate impacts like heatwaves or flooding by improving infrastructure, emergency planning, and community awareness.
Biodiversity
Enhancing school grounds with nature-based projects to support wildlife, improve wellbeing, and connect students with the natural environment.
Climate education
Embedding sustainability across the curriculum to equip students with knowledge, skills, and values to understand and address climate change.
Green careers
Inspiring and preparing students for future careers in the green economy through curriculum links, role models, and practical experiences.
How will a Climate Action Plan benefit my school?
Creating a climate action plan will allow you to take a structured and strategic route toward ensuring your setting or trust is acting toward, and educating about, sustainability. An effective plan can support reducing energy costs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing biodiversity.
Climate action plans can also enrich teaching by embedding sustainability across the curriculum and support students to gain leadership skills and climate awareness, preparing them for future careers. Ultimately, these plans can strengthen community ties and build a culture of responsibility towards people and planet.
The Climate Action Planning Toolkit
Our Climate Action Planning Toolkit supports school staff to build sustainability literacy, access practical resources, and take action on topics areas such energy, nature and waste. It empowers staff, aligns with Department for Education policy, reduces environmental impact and inspires students. A great place to start for your sustainability journey!
