Greener Kent Schools

The Department for Education launched their climate change and sustainability strategy in 2022 to positively impact, influence and inspire communities within the education sector, focusing on environmental sustainability and enhancing children’s knowledge and understanding.

Sustainability lead and climate action plans

The strategy states “By 2025, all education settings will have nominated a sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan”.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Use the DfE guidance - sustainability leadership and climate action plans in education
2. Form a sustainability team - create a sustainability leadership team comprising passionate individuals with diverse expertise. Include both educational (teaching staff) and operational (estate management) experts.
3. Cover the four key areas - create a climate action plan targeting
   1. decarbonisation
   2. adaptation and resilience
   3. biodiversity
   4. climate education and green careers.
4. Measure your footprint - use free tools available to find out where you can have the biggest impact on reducing carbon emissions.
5. Get started - use the wide range of resources that are available.

Suggested resources

• Sign up to Let’s Go Zero - show your school’s intent to reach Net Zero by 2030 and use their wide range of resources and links on transport, waste, food, water, nature, energy, curriculum and procurement.
• Use the climate action planning tool from Transform Our World.
• Measure your school’s carbon emission footprint with this free count your carbon tool
• Connect with the climate ambassadors scheme for free tailored support and guidance from experts.
• Organise climate education CPD for your team.
• Join the National Education Nature Park for resources, support and guidance to put nature at the heart of education.
• Use the WWF schools sustainability guide for tips on how to take action for climate, nature and sustainability in your school.