A new, independent report is shedding light on how schools across the UK are tackling their sustainability challenges
The Greener Schools Index (GSI) Report, published by Zenergi in partnership with the UK Schools Sustainability Network (UKSSN) Ops Group, presents key findings from schools across the UK. With the Department for Education’s recommendation for all education settings to have a Climate Action Plan in place by 2025, the GSI provides an essential starting point. It enables schools to measure their progress, benchmark against peers, learn from best practice and set realistic sustainability goals.
Key Findings: Progress and Challenges
The report highlights that while many schools are making strides in sustainability, significant gaps remain.
Among the key findings are indications of opportunity. For example, while 74% of schools track energy usage, only 33% have set reduction targets. Meanwhile, 62% have a designated sustainability lead, but only 24% have a formal Climate Action Plan.
“This report is not just about numbers,” said Helen Burge, co-chair of UKSSN Ops Group. “It’s about sharing knowledge and inspiring schools to take action.”
“The Greener Schools Index has helped us to establish where we are on our sustainability journey and help inform the actions that we need to make to move forwards,” said Vicky Fraser, national project manager – Capital and Estates at E-ACT.
Practical Steps For Schools
The report highlights the simple, yet effective actions schools can take:
Switching to LED lighting and optimising heating schedules to cut energy waste
Installing water-saving devices and conducting student-led water audits
Creating eco-committees to engage students and staff in sustainability efforts.
Reducing waste further along in the supply chain, by working with suppliers to audit and manage waste
The report also highlights the opportunity for schools to create future leaders by integrating sustainability into the curriculum through science and citizenship lessons.
The Path Ahead
Schools seem eager to learn more and work together. The report reveals that 74% of participants are calling for additional sustainability training, and 50% would welcome local and regional collaboration networks.
Paul Edmond, co-chair of UKSSN Ops Group, thinks that a tool like this Index can help a nationwide movement gather momentum: “The GSI helps schools see where they stand, but we hope this report motivates even more schools to get involved.”
Schools interested in benchmarking their sustainability efforts can read the report and participate in the Greener Schools Index at https://zenergi.co.uk/greener-schools-index/.
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