86% of pupils believe schools should be doing more to help the environment – and the good news is that change can start with quick, low-cost wins…
If you’ve read our blog on Understanding the DfE’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, you’ll already know that schools are expected to take action on sustainability. But knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming.
Sustainability is a broad topic, and with so many possibilities, it’s easy to feel unsure about what will make the most impact. The good news is that you don’t have to do everything at once; starting small is both effective and manageable.
That’s why we’ve pulled together some quick, low-cost wins in line with the four key aims of the DfE Strategy that any school can implement right away. Each one is simple, practical, and engaging – helping you take the first steps on your sustainability journey while inspiring students and staff to get involved.
Climate Education and Green Skills:
This involves equipping students to understand and respond to climate change.
1. Set up a Green Team
Creating a student-led green team is a fun way to turn ideas into action while giving pupils ownership of projects and the chance to develop leadership and teamwork skills. With 71% of pupils wanting to learn more about the environment, it’s the perfect way to channel their enthusiasm into meaningful change.
2. Host Environmental school events
Hosting an event like a Zero Waste Day, Eco-Conference or Biodiversity Awareness Fair is a great way to get everyone involved and excited about sustainability. With 51% of pupils saying they want to take part in school projects that help the environment, it’s a perfect opportunity to engage and educate students, staff and the wider community.
3. Create an Eco Book Corner
Set up a library section or classroom shelf dedicated to books on the Earth, climate, and the environment. It’s an easy way to spark curiosity, encourage independent learning, and weave sustainability into everyday lessons.
Net Zero:
This involves reducing emissions across education buildings and operations to support the UK’s net zero targets.
4. Save Energy
Simple actions like running ‘switch-off’ campaigns, adding reminder signs in classrooms, and switching to LED lighting can make a big difference in cutting energy use. With only 33% of schools currently setting an energy reduction goal, there is a clear opportunity to lead the way by reducing both carbon emissions and costs.
5. Cut Food Waste
Offering fewer meat options, displaying the carbon footprint of meals on the menu, and installing food waste bins are all effective ways to tackle food waste. The education sector generates 80,000 tonnes of food waste each year, 77% of which is avoidable, making this a major opportunity to reduce schools’ carbon footprints.
6. Choose Low-Carbon Travel
Introduce car-share schemes, provide incentives for walking and cycling, and promote the use of public transport to reduce reliance on single-occupancy cars. Travel is often one of the largest contributors to a school’s carbon footprint, so shifting to lower-carbon options can deliver significant emissions savings.
Resilience to Climate Change:
This involves preparing your school for the physical impacts of climate change.
7. Maintain Gutters and Drains
Regularly clearing gutters, drains, and downpipes reduces the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall, helping schools stay resilient to extreme weather events.
8. Increase Green Infrastructure
Planting trees, adding green roofs, and creating permeable surfaces can help manage stormwater, reduce run-off, and lower local food risk. These initiatives can also provide cooling benefits during heatwaves.
9. Improve Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation
Conduct audits to identify areas needing improved ventilation or shade, and upgrade heating and cooling systems to maintain comfortable indoor conditions. These measures help schools cope with heatwaves and cold spells, keeping pupils and staff safe while reducing energy waste.
A Better Environment for Future Generations:
This involves enhancing biodiversity, air quality, and access to nature in and around school grounds.
Wildflower patches, vegetable gardens, or small woodlands improve air quality and create habitats for wildlife. With 3.1 million children attending schools where pollution exceeds WHO limits, greener grounds can make a real difference while providing hands-on learning spaces.
11. Bring Learning Outdoors
Forest school sessions or simply holding more lessons outside connect pupils with nature and support wellbeing. Yet only 24% of schools provide daily access to nature, and 56% of secondary schools offer no outdoor learning at all, showing a huge opportunity to expand outdoor experiences.
These quick wins show that sustainability is achievable without huge costs or complex plans. By focusing on small, manageable steps, schools can cut emissions, adapt to climate risks, and create healthier environments for pupils. Taken together, these actions form the foundation for bigger changes in the future.
Once those small changes are in place and you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Whether it’s creating a bespoke Climate Action Plan or helping you to engage your pupils and staff in environmental initiatives, our team can turn your sustainability goals into real progress.
Get in touch, we would love to support your next step:
07881244632
