Sustainability in the academy sector - update

Academy Trusts must address climate change-related risks and consider further measures for a more sustainable future. Pam Tuckett, Head of Education, reviews the latest updates.

Supported by The Wellcome Trust, Carbon Brief predicts there’s more than a 99% chance that 2023 will be the hottest year since records began.

So this is a timely reminder of some of the risks that your trust should be considering when discussing climate change:

• Extreme heat and weather – are your policies up to date for very hot/cold/wet days? This would include for example, rules around what uniform must be worn, especially on hot days, and consideration of pregnant women.
• Air quality – both in the classroom and in the outdoor areas. This could well impact conditions such as asthma and therefore could increase the amount of time spent supervising medication in school.
• The impact on the mental health of pupils and staff which will impact on performance. This may be more apparent in pupils from deprived areas.

Could you improve your Trust’s sustainability by reviewing your uniform to ensure it is sustainable? The fashion industry is responsible for up to 8% of the global Co2 and one-fifth of the plastic produced globally each year, according to the UNEP’s report Sustainability and Circularity in the Textile Value Chain.

Waste is another area where improvements can be made, some relatively easily and with little cost.

For example, assemblies to raise awareness, posters, compost bins, encouraging the use of reusable water bottles, which might mean removing vending machines and replacing them with water points.

Doing a waste audit will help identify the easy wins and will engage with pupils. Printing and photocopying is another key area to review. It is also important that the staff lead by example.

The latest round of CIF bids will require environmental sustainability to be evidenced. To score maximum points the project must deliver either an increase in energy efficiency and reduction in energy use and carbon emissions, and/or demonstrate it supports environmental sustainability and climate change resilience.

While many Trusts have used the Energy Efficiency Grant to fund new LED lighting, solar panels or new boilers, there is still a lot that can be done. Trusts should review their premises investment strategy to ensure that they are following best practice.

The National Education Nature Park, a key strand of the DfE Sustainability and climate change strategy began in October with the aim of supporting young people in learning outdoors. Read more by clicking here.

Reading University is sharing for free their resources for training providers to support in delivering climate education and sustainability to trainee teachers. Read more by clicking here.

Sign up to the DfE's Climate in Education Snapshot for regular updates.