As the UK Government works towards its Net Zero goals, schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) have a significant role to play. As part of your overall compliance, it is crucial to consider sustainability and the environmental impact of your school.
Recent studies have shown that approximately 80% of students want their school to do more in regards to sustainable development, highlighting a growing demand for eco-conscious practices in educational institutions. With iAM Sustainable, you can ensure your building is energy-efficient, enabling you to track progress, implement sustainability strategies and stay aligned with government regulations.
Throughout this blog, we will explore:
- Net Zero UK initiatives
- What a Net Zero school is
- How to make a school sustainable
- How iAM Compliant can help you become a net zero school
Let’s dive in!
What is A Net Zero School?
Understanding Sustainable School Targets & Net Zero UK Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan
A Net Zero school can be defined as a school that effectively reduces its carbon footprint, aiming to balance the amount of emissions it produces with the amount it offsets. Achieving Net Zero means integrating eco-conscious practices across your entire school, from energy use to waste management.
In line with UK Government sustainability regulations, the Department of Education has implemented a new strategy for carbon reduction in schools. By 2025, all education settings must meet specific sustainability targets, including:
- Designating A Sustainability Lead - Every school or MAT must have an appointed Sustainability Lead who is responsible for setting sustainability targets and impact assessment.
- Creating A Climate Action Plan - Schools must create a comprehensive climate action plan, outlining specific strategies for reducing carbon emissions. Check out our guide on creating your climate action plan for advice!
- Adhering to Net Zero UK Guidelines - To become a sustainable school, you must align with the UK government’s regulations on Net Zero schools, supporting broader national goals to combat climate change.
At iAM Compliant, we help you to drive behavioural change with our comprehensive training library. Access our growing collection of IOSH-approved & CPD-accredited bite-size courses that can be completed in under 15 minutes, covering Carbon Footprint Reduction Strategies, Sustainability in Education & more. Explore our sustainability courses today!
Sustainable School Challenges
The Barriers to Sustainability in Education
Achieving Net Zero UK targets can seem like a daunting task - but it doesn’t have to be. With iAM Compliant’s award-winning compliance software tool, managing sustainable school initiatives and meeting Net Zero standards has never been easier.
Here are some of the sustainability challenges education institutions may face when working toward Net Zero school climate goals:
- Limited Budget - For many schools, dedicating a significant portion of budget to sustainability efforts can seem impossible. With iAM Sustainable, you can meet Net Zero UK sustainable future targets at affordable rates.
- Lack of Training - A 2022 survey revealed that 51% of UK secondary school teachers believe their school does not meaningfully address climate change. Without proper training, staff may struggle to implement effective sustainability practices or create climate action plans.
- Complex Compliance Requirements - Keeping up with Net Zero UK regulations and ensuring sustainable school compliance can seem complicated. With iAM Compliant, we can support you in creating a structured and simple compliance framework - get in touch with us today to discover our free trial options!
- Lack of Student Engagement - Becoming a sustainable school does not rely solely on your sustainability leader; it’s a community effort. Engaging students through interactive and fun Net Zero UK educational content is crucial to fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging them to participate in your Net Zero school journey.
How to Make a School Sustainable
Practical Steps to Achieve Net Zero Schools Compliance
Becoming a sustainable school is a lot simpler when you have the right tools and guidance. Below, we’ve provided a practical guide towards reducing your school’s environmental impact, in line with the Net Zero UK environmental goals:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Energy Efficient Upgrades | Upgrade to LED lighting, eco-conscious heating and renewable energy sources. |
| Develop Your Climate Action Plan | Create an all-encompassing sustainability plan, covering water, electricity and energy usage. |
| Engage Students in Sustainability | Involve students in eco-friendly activities, such as creative energy-saving or recycling campaigns. |
| Track Energy Usage | With iAM Sustainable, you can monitor school energy consumption and identify wasteful areas. |
| Reduce Plastic Usage | Eliminate plastic packaging and encourage use of reusable bottles/tupperware. |
| Encourage Sustainable Transportation | Introduce cycle-to-school initiatives and encourage students to prioritise walking/public transport as opposed to cars. |
| Create Green Spaces and Natural Environments | Develop school gardens and greenery to encourage biodiversity. |
| Provide Sustainability Inclusive Education | Raise awareness and become a sustainable school through education and environmentally-conscious classroom activities. |
| Adopt Water-Saving Technology | Install energy-efficient water fountains and fixtures and promote water conservation habits. |
iAM Compliant is Your Trusted Partner in Net Zero Schools Targets
Smash Sustainability Goals & Transform Your School Today!
If you are struggling with sustainability compliance and energy efficiency solutions with the latest Net Zero UK government targets, then iAM Compliant is here to help. With our web-based comprehensive compliance tool, you can manage school compliance and prioritise eco-friendly practices with ease.
With iAM Sustainable, you can easily:
- Create Climate Action Plans
- Track & report emissions
- Provide sustainability training
- Remain compliant with Net Zero UK targets
Ready to revolutionise your school environment’s approach to sustainability? Get in touch now!
