Ready to make a change? The UKSSN Ops Group highlights why education sustainability conferences are a vital platform for school leaders to drive meaningful climate action and operational change
We, at UKSSN Ops Group, believe that school leaders responsible for the strategic and operational management of their schools are uniquely positioned to drive the sustainability agenda. One of the most effective ways to gain insights, share knowledge and foster collaboration in this area is by attending an education sector sustainability conference. ASCL will be hosting their 3rd conference next year and the Institute of School Business Leadership have their first Sustainability Symposium on Tuesday 30th September in Birmingham
Knowledge and insights
Sustainability conferences offer an opportunity to learn from experts and thought leaders who are at the forefront of sustainability research and practice. Attendees can gain insights and translate these into actions for their Climate Actions Plans (CAP). They often feature case studies that provide practical knowledge on how to implement sustainability initiatives in educational settings. By staying informed, school leaders can make well-informed decisions.
Action – Sign up for workshops that will move you on from your current position.
Networking and collaboration
Education sector sustainability conferences bring together a diverse group of professionals, including educators, policymakers, researchers and sustainability consultants, which creates opportunities to forge connections with peers and experts, exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations to drive action towards sustainability goals.
Action – Go with specific questions or ideas to discuss within your network related to your next steps.
Professional development and skill enhancement
Whether it’s learning about sustainable procurement practices, understanding the nuances of carbon footprint assessment, or mastering the art of stakeholder engagement, the professional development opportunities at these conferences are invaluable. By investing in their own skill enhancement, school leaders can become more adept at implementing their CAP actions.
Action – Review the ISBL Sustainability Standards before you attend a sustainability conference. Reflecting on your current knowledge and skill level will focus you on addressing areas of development during the conference.
Inspiration and motivation
The journey towards sustainability can be challenging, requiring significant effort, resources and perseverance. Attending a sustainability conference can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for school leaders. Hearing first hand, case studies, what went well, what didn’t go well, can help you build a vision of how you would like to embed sustainability within your school and lift your CAP from words to actions.
Action – Consider putting forward a case study from your school to a conference or be prepared to share ideas in group discussions.
Access to resources and innovative solutions
We know that many conferences wouldn’t be financially possible without the support from education sector suppliers sponsoring the event, a workshop, or purchasing a stand in the exhibition area. This also provides you with direct access to suppliers to discuss their innovative solutions but also more importantly identify whether their sustainability values align with your school’s values.
Action – Go with specific questions to ask either your existing suppliers or potential new suppliers about how they can help your school deliver on its CAP, or where there are opportunities for social value to support your projects.
Advocacy and policy influence
Conferences are not just about learning and networking; they are also platforms for advocacy and policy influence. By participating in education sector sustainability conferences, school leaders can contribute to the larger conversation on sustainability and education. By voicing your perspectives and sharing your experiences, you can play an active role in shaping policies that support sustainability in the education sector.
The DfE have recently shared a report on the impact of UK Climate Change Risk on the delivery of education. They have identified three primary climate risks impacting school operations – overheating, flooding and water scarcity. How do school leaders mitigate against these risks? How is this balanced with the usual day job? And how do you acquire the knowledge and skills to ensure somebody within your school is dealing with them?
Sustainability conferences are essential for school leaders. These events should cover risks, required behavioural changes and support for delivering CAPs. If sustainability isn’t on the agenda yet, challenge the organisers to include it in the curriculum, operations, or leadership discussions, or be brave and ask via panel or Q&A sessions during the event.
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