As per the latest Department for Education (DfE) sustainability and climate change strategy, in line with the UK Government’s Net Zero initiative, all schools must have a nominated sustainability lead by 2025. This recently developed role aims to drive sustainability efforts, while ensuring schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) remain compliant with environmental and regulatory standards.
Our specialist web-based compliance tool aims to support schools with tracking emissions, meeting DfE sustainability goals and prioritising energy efficiency. Ensure your appointed Sustainability Lead is fully equipped for the role with our 10+ new Sustainability courses, IOSH-approved and CPD-accredited.
Throughout this blog, we will explore:
- What a Sustainability Lead is
- Why you need a school Sustainability Lead
- Sustainability leadership responsibilities
- How iAM Compliant can help your school stay sustainable
Let’s dive in!
What is A Sustainability Lead?
A Sustainability Lead is an individual within your school or MAT who is responsible for creating and overseeing sustainability initiatives. With a recent survey revealing 85% of students agree that schools and colleges should be doing more to help the environment, appointing a Sustainability Lead ensures your school is aligned with the latest environmental goals and sustainable practices.
DfE Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy
As part of the UK Government updated Net Zero Initiative, aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2050, the Department of Education (DfE) have implemented a sustainability in schools UK strategy to ensure educational institutions remain compliant with new regulations. By 2025, every school must have a dedicated Sustainability Lead, guiding staff through energy efficiency, waste management and climate change education.
At iAM Compliant, we are committed to streamlining the sustainability compliance process for schools and MATs across the UK. iAM Sustainable will help ensure your school stays eco-conscious and compliant.
Why You Need A School Sustainability Lead
Sustainability in Schools UK
Appointing a dedicated Sustainability Lead is a requirement, but it also presents a number of benefits for schools. Your Sustainability Lead can empower students and staff to play an active role in supporting a greener future, identify ways to reduce carbon emissions, and offer expertise and guidance. Our Sustainability & Net Zero Training for Schools helps to give your Sustainability Lead the tools and training they need.
Sustainability Leadership Responsibilities
Sustainability leadership is pivotal in ensuring your school meets the latest government sustainability in schools UK requirements and fostering an understanding of climate change across the school community. A school Sustainability Lead has a wide range of responsibilities, from driving eco-conscious initiatives to identifying wasteful areas and reducing overall carbon emissions.
Here are some of the key actions a Sustainability Lead will oversee:
- Track & Report on Sustainability Strategy - Regular emissions monitoring and reporting are essential to achieving net zero targets across the UK. With iAM Sustainable, you can easily track and manage energy data and create a detailed plan for sustainability to ensure your school remains compliant.
- Engage Students & Staff - With recent data revealing 71% of students are interested in learning more about the environment, teaching sustainability in schools is more important than ever. At iAM Compliant, we offer FREE resources on Sustainability in Education, so your Sustainability Lead can reinforce the importance of environmental stewardship and create a comprehensive climate strategy.
- Energy Management & Waste Reduction - Around 80,000 tonnes of food waste are generated by UK schools every year. With specialist sustainability leadership, you can promote recycling programmes and energy efficient measures to encourage carbon footprint reduction and minimise your school or MAT’s overall waste output.
- Co-ordinate with the Wider Community - A school Sustainability Lead may work with local authorities, councils and environmental groups to share best practices, collaborate on sustainability in schools projects and stay aligned with DfE sustainability and climate change strategy targets.
- Stay Informed on Sustainability Updates - Staying up to date with the latest sustainability in schools UK policies and trends is a crucial responsibility of your school Sustainability Lead. With iAM Sustainable, you can stay on top of environmental news with our AI-driven sustainability news updates.
iAM Sustainable
The Future of Sustainability in Schools, UK
At iAM Compliant, we are dedicated to simplifying the sustainability journey of schools and MATs across the UK. With our sustainability feature on our award-winning web-based compliance tool, you can ensure complex sustainability challenges are resolved and align your sustainability policies with the 2025 DfE sustainability and climate change strategy.
Take your first steps towards sustainable development and positive action on climate change with iAM Compliant. Streamline sustainability initiatives, create an effective Climate Action Plan, track energy usage and ensure your school stays ahead of the curve.
Revolutionise your school’s sustainability leadership and contact us today!
