Introduction

A school climate action plan outlines the steps and strategies that a school community will take to address and mitigate climate change, promote sustainability, and foster environmental stewardship. It involves a collective effort from students, teachers, staff, parents, and school administrators to create a more sustainable and environmentally responsible school environment.

What are the key components of a school climate action plan?

Here are the key components that a school climate action plan may include:

1. Assessment and Baseline Data: Begin by conducting an assessment of the school's current environmental impact and carbon footprint. Collect baseline data on energy consumption, waste generation, water usage, transportation patterns, and greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Goal Setting: Set clear and measurable goals for reducing the school's environmental impact. Goals may include reducing energy consumption, waste diversion, increasing recycling rates, promoting sustainable transportation, and enhancing green spaces on campus.

3. Curriculum Integration: Integrate climate change and environmental sustainability topics into the school curriculum. Educate students about the science of climate change, its impacts, and the importance of adopting sustainable practices.

4. Engagement and Awareness: Create awareness campaigns to involve the entire school community in climate action efforts. This can include organizing workshops, seminars, and events related to sustainability and climate change.

5. Resource Efficiency: Implement energy-saving measures, such as upgrading lighting systems to LEDs, improving insulation, using energy-efficient appliances, and optimizing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

6. Waste Reduction and Recycling: Establish effective waste management practices, encourage recycling, and minimize single-use plastics and disposables in the school premises.

7. Sustainable Transportation: Encourage students and staff to use sustainable transportation options, such as biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from commuting.

8. Green Spaces and Biodiversity: Create and maintain green spaces on the school campus, such as gardens and green roofs, to improve biodiversity and enhance the overall environment.

9. Partnerships and Collaboration: Collaborate with local environmental organizations, businesses, and government agencies to access resources, expertise, and funding for climate action initiatives.

10. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of the action plan. Use data to assess the effectiveness of different strategies and make adjustments as needed to achieve the set goals.

11. Student Leadership and Involvement: Empower students to take an active role in driving climate action initiatives. Form student-led environmental clubs or committees to brainstorm ideas and implement projects.

12. Inclusive and Equitable Approach: Ensure that the school climate action plan considers social equity and includes opportunities for all members of the school community to participate, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

Remember that each school's climate action plan should be tailored to its specific needs, resources, and challenges. Engaging the whole school community in the process will enhance the plan's effectiveness and create a lasting impact on the environment and the mindset of future generations.

All schools should be working towards producing their climate action plan - this will become a mandatory requirement for all schools from 2025.

How can we help?

Did you know that SchooliP supports this process for your school with the ability to create a comprehensive plan, set objectives against staff members, write policies, and run audits?

Environmental, governance and technical experts have come together to provide schools and trusts with a free online tool to help governing boards adopt and develop environmental sustainability as a strategic priority. The tool is based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, it’s designed to cover all aspects of school life and is organised into the 4Cs of Curriculum, Campus, Community and Culture. The tool consists of a series of questions and guidance to help schools and trusts interested in developing sustainability to ask themselves relevant questions and focus their efforts on pertinent actions. Having the tool online means it is easily accessible to all stakeholders, who can be viewers and/or contributors.

Conclusion

At Derventio Education we'll be offering lots of support to schools with their Climate Action Plans to ensure that they meet the latest legislation.

Why not get started today with our FREE SchooliP Sustainability Portal created in partnership with the NGA?  You can register at https://www.derventioeducation.com/school-sustainability.