With the Autumn Budget announcing a much-needed boost to the schools rebuilding programme, we can expect a big increase in construction projects within the education sector.

To ensure futureproofing is top of the agenda, the government has also maintained the previous government’s target that all schools must have a sustainability lead and a bespoke climate action plan in place by 2025.

What is a sustainability lead for schools?

A sustainability lead can be an existing employee that is able to take up an extra role or a new hire, but they must be able to understand the requirements of their school and what is possible for their budget, resources and premises.

A sustainability lead’s main objective is to progress initiatives and manage schemes that will better the school’s – or Trust’s – behaviour and approach toward decarbonisation, Net Zero goals, and sustainability in general.

Sustainability in 2025

The main job at hand is upgrading and expanding existing buildings, to meet the increasing need for school spaces.

Absenteeism is on the rise and poor estates management has been attributed to this issue; schools are failing to manage pupil capacity due to ageing infrastructure that doesn’t suffice a modern learning environment. These absenteeism figures are even worse in schools with SEND provisions, making estates management a significant contender for funding.

What can your school do about sustainability now?

Climate action plans are key in preparing your school or organisation for the impact of climate change, but it is a very complex topic that can create more questions than answers. Eddisons’ specialist teams in both education and sustainability can help.

We have extensive knowledge in applying for school funding through government- and Salix-led decarbonisation schemes, a long history of working in schools on projects such as accessibility adaptations, and we also understand the effort that needs to be done before projects such as this to ensure the culture is right for you.

What is a climate action plan and how can it transform my school?

A climate action plan (CAP) is a strategic framework that is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance environmental sustainability. For schools, it means introducing a range of initiatives that will create an eco-friendly culture among pupils, staff and the local community. Some ways this can be achieved includes bringing climate education into the curriculum and implementing energy-efficient features into the building.

Developing an effective CAP involves assessing the school’s current environmental impact, establishing clear and measurable goals, choosing specific strategies and implementing them, and evaluating the outcome. Successfully integrating these measures can empower students, reduce the school’s carbon footprint and save money on utility bills.