Getting started with sustainability in schools can feel overwhelming, but this step-by-step guide from UKSSN makes it achievable and impactful
Sustainability in schools is no longer a choice – it’s a necessity. By taking a proactive approach and following this 10-step plan, which incorporates the “Plan, Do, Check, Act” model, you can drive meaningful change in your school or trust while simultaneously contributing to broader environmental goals.
Plan – Define the Vision and Objectives
The first step in any sustainability project is to clearly define the vision, objectives and timescales. How does it link to other school improvement strategies and the curriculum? In this planning phase, outline the specific sustainability objectives, such as reducing energy consumption, cutting waste, and increasing or improving biodiversity.
Tools: Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals.
Plan – Engage Stakeholders
Sustainability is a collective effort that requires the buy-in of all school stakeholders across the community. Establish a sustainability working group, with oversight from governors/trustees, ensuring their active participation from the outset. Establish an eco-team for children and parents to get involved. Identify and plan CPD for key stakeholders.
Tools: Stakeholder mapping
Do – Conduct an Environmental Audit
Conduct a comprehensive environmental audit to gather data on current practices to identify areas of improvement. Document the findings to create a baseline for measuring progress. This includes reviewing energy use, waste management, water consumption and transport practices as well as surveying staff, children and parents.
Tools: Zenergi’s Greener Schools Index, energy audit, water audit, waste audit, biodiversity audit, curriculum audit, Count your Carbon tool
Do – Develop a Climate Action Plan (CAP)
Based on the environmental audit, develop a detailed CAP outlining specific actions to address key areas of sustainability. Consider:
6 C’s
- Culture
- Campus
- Curriculum
- Careers
- Community
DfE Sustainability Strategy
- Climate Education
- Green Careers
- Net Zero
- Adaptation & Resilience
- Biodiversity
Tools: UKSSN Ops group resources page for CAPs, Let’s Go Zero CAP
Do – Allocate Resources and Set Milestones
Ensure the CAP is part of the school or trust’s development plan and that it includes timelines, responsibilities, funding sources, budget and the required resources to implement each initiative successfully. Define clear milestones to track progress, such as reducing energy consumption by 5% within the first six months or establishing a fully functional recycling program by the end of the academic year.
Tools: Engage with a third-party Climate Advisor
Do – Implement the CAP
Implement the CAP by rolling out initiatives in a timely manner. Start with high-impact, low-cost changes and as each task is completed, ensure that stakeholders are informed of the changes, helping them to participate and adapt to their role within each initiative.
Tools: The sustainability working group’s time and effort
Check – Monitor and Measure Progress
It’s important to continuously monitor progress against the established goals and milestones. This involves collecting data on energy use, waste production, and other relevant metrics to assess the effectiveness of each action. Use this data to measure success, identify areas for improvement and ensure that the CAP stays on course.
Tools: Monthly report of key metrics akin to monthly budget reports
Check – RAG the CAP
Evaluate the overall performance of the CAP on a termly basis. Red, Amber, Green (RAG) – what is working well and where there are problem areas. Are you meeting the goals set in the planning phase? If certain initiatives are underperforming, assess why that might be the case. Is there resistance to change, or are resources not being used effectively? This stage involves repeating the initial audits to help measure progress, ensuring that any shortcomings are addressed and that the CAP stays aligned with the vision.
Tools: Re-engage with third-party experts e.g. Climate Advisors or regional climate groups
Act – Adjust and Improve
Based on the monitoring and evaluation findings, make necessary adjustments to the CAP. Continuous improvement is essential for long-term sustainability, so don’t be afraid to develop the CAP and seek further governor/trustee oversight as needed to drive further progress.
Tools: Re-engage with third-party experts e.g. climate advisors or regional climate groups
Act – Celebrate Success and Share Learning
Once sustainability milestones have been met, it’s important to celebrate successes and recognise the efforts of stakeholders through awards or public recognition in newsletters or assemblies. Sharing success stories not only boosts morale but also helps sustain interest and momentum for future sustainability projects.
Tools: Apply for sustainability awards or hold a celebration event for children
Sustainability initiatives within your CAP don’t all need to be costly or complex; often, simple changes can have a big impact. By engaging the school community, setting clear goals and focusing on practical steps such as energy efficiency and waste reduction, you can lead the way in creating more sustainable, responsible and cost-effective schools.
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