Key areas of focus for sustainable schools and trusts

Becoming more sustainable is not just a requirement; it's an opportunity to deliver both educational and financial benefits through reduced waste and improved efficiency. That's why we've worked with Let's Go Zero and Barker to bring together these sustainability resources for schools and trusts. Here are six key priorities to consider when planning, delivering and embedding sustainability across your estate, operations and curriculum.

Climate Action Planning (CAP)

A sustainability strategy, including carbon foot-printing, energy audits, climate action plans and user behaviour change.

Energy-efficient buildings

Retrofitting buildings to higher standards, constructing new efficient buildings, and maintaining and adapting buildings.

Electricity generation and storage

Renewable technologies including solar photovoltaic (PV), as well as energy storage solutions such as batteries and thermal storage.

Biodiversity and nature

Protecting and enhancing nature and wildlife within the setting and its surroundings.

Climate education and green skills

Curriculum support, green skills development  and career guidance.

Low carbon transport

Zero direct (tailpipe) CO2 emissions vehicles, green travel plans, EV charging points and cycle facilities.

Climate Action Planning (CAP)

A sustainability strategy, including carbon foot-printing, energy audits, climate action plans and user behaviour change.

Energy-efficient buildings

Retrofitting buildings to higher standards, constructing new efficient buildings, and maintaining and adapting buildings.

Electricity generation and storage

Renewable technologies including solar photovoltaic (PV), as well as energy storage solutions such as batteries and thermal storage.

Biodiversity and nature

Protecting and enhancing nature and wildlife within the setting and its surroundings.

Climate education and green skills

Curriculum support, green skills development  and career guidance.

Low carbon transport

Zero direct (tailpipe) CO2 emissions vehicles, green travel plans, EV charging points and cycle facilities.

Discounted sustainability finance for independent schools

Clean Growth Financing Initiative

Access discounted lending for environmental improvements, energy efficiency projects and sustainable building investments at your independent school.

Clean Growth Financing

More sustainable finance solutions

Explore a range of discounted and sustainability-focused finance options designed to support your independent school's environmental goals.

Sustainable finance options

Guidance and services to help you get started

Why every school needs a Climate Action Plan

In this article Let’s Go Zero and Barker outline the DfE expectations around sustainability planning and give examples of practical changes.

Read about planning

Practical hands-on support

Let’s Go Zero are providing free training, advisors and resources to equip your team with the tools they need for whole-school climate action.

Get free expert advice
School children running

Self-assessment tools

Tools to help you benchmark your school’s sustainability strategy and gain insights into the efficiency of your buildings.

More on free tools

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Wider support for your school

EV minibus management

EV minibus leasing alongside essential support on Section 19 Permit requirements. Provided by Rivervale.

Tax-efficient vehicle scheme

Electric vehicles via salary sacrifice scheme for independent school employees. Provided by Tusker.

In the community

Our partnership with the Woodland Trust has provided thousands of schools with free tree planting packs.

Apply for tree planting pack

Contact your relationship manager for more details

 

“Sustainability in education isn’t just about reducing carbon, it’s also about inspiring future generations to think, act and lead differently. By embedding practical action across estates, operations and learning, schools can drive meaningful change today while equipping young people with the skills and mindset needed to build a more resilient, low‑carbon future.”

Phil Herriott
Director of Education

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn

Sustainability in action

Windsor Academy Trust

Watch how Windsor Academy Trust have become more sustainable (2 min 36 secs). These projects will aid them with their vision of becoming Net Zero by 2030.

Two people picking strawberries

Sustainability at Lloyds Banking Group

As the UK’s largest financial services provider, we have an important role to play in creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for people and businesses, by shaping finance as a force for good.

Read about our progress

You may also be interested in

Education hub

For more tailored guidance for the Education sector visit our specialised support hub.

Visit the education hub

Sustainability hub

Wherever you are on your sustainability journey, you'll find support and guidance to help you reduce your impact on the environment.

Visit the sustainability hub

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