As an ex-headteacher, I understand how demanding school life is. Similarly, as a climate action advisor with the Let’s Go Zero campaign, I also know that schools need to make some changes.
These two facts are not mutually exclusive. So I’m also keen to help schools see that taking climate action isn’t an extra burden, but an investment in wellbeing, school improvement, and long-term financial savings.
Climate action in your school
A climate action plan is a roadmap toward a healthier, happier, more resilient future. It not only reduces a school’s environmental impact. It also integrates climate education in the curriculum, supports student engagement, and delivers co-benefits like cost savings, better wellbeing, and biodiversity improvements.
Of course, every school will be different. However, a climate action plan helps you determine how to make the most impact from where you are, with easy to more extensive steps along the way.
Potential actions
- installing energy-efficient systems, such as LED lighting, solar panels and heat pumps
- improving procurement practices
- greening shared spaces
- enhancing air quality.
These changes improve the physical environment while also boosting morale and learning outcomes.
So, how should you go about writing your climate action plan?
Appoint a sustainability lead
This makes sure someone is focused on delivery, has leadership support, and drives the plan forward.
Engage the whole community
Involve pupils, staff, and families. Climate action is a unifying goal that builds motivation and ownership across the school. And it can be great fun for the children!
Set measurable goals
Define clear targets for areas like energy, waste, and biodiversity. Your local climate action advisor can help with tools and examples.
Use available resources
Support is out there – from councils, NGOs, businesses, and national schemes. Use the resources and team to point you to what’s relevant the Let’s Go Zero toolbox contains plenty of useful information.
Monitor and adapt
Track progress, celebrate successes, and revise the plan as needed.
For instance, Nailsea School in North Somerset developed a climate action plan, and in just six months, they’ve achieved the following:
- Appointed a sustainability lead
- Installed a building management system
- Switched to LED lighting in common areas
- Secured grants for biodiversity improvements
- Partnered with local authority on active travel
- Added a second meat-free day in the canteen
You can do this, too; and if you need a little more assistance, the climate action advisor in your area will understand schools and climate – and will guide you through the process. Learn more about your local advisor at letsgozero.org/climate-action-advisors.
Will Ewens is a former headteacher, and is currently a climate action advisor for Let’s Go Zero.
