SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN AUTUMN 2026
AGS Sustainability Strategy S Sustian Since our foundation in 1598, Aylesbury Grammar School has been defined by its values, its history, and its sense of community. For over four hundred years, we have educated young people to respect the past while confidently stepping into the future.
Being part of such a long, unbroken history brings a profound responsibility. Our duty is not simply to preserve our traditions, but to build upon them in a way that serves the world our students will inherit. We must protect the legacy of AGS, whilst remaining fiercely forwardthinking, innovative, and adaptable to change. True progress requires us to look closely at our impact on the world around us. This Sustainability Action Plan is a direct reflection of that responsibility. It is not a document of vague intentions, but a strategic commitment to real, measurable change across our school environment and wider community. OUR STRATEGIC FOCUS To ensure AGS remains a forward-thinking institution, this plan focuses on key areas where we can make an immediate and lasting difference: Environmental Stewardship: Reducing our carbon footprint, managing our energy efficiently, and minimising waste across the school estate. Biodiversity and Campus Care: Enhancing our physical surroundings to protect the local environment and create a more sustainable campus. Community and Culture: Engaging our students, staff, and parents to ensure that sustainable choices become a natural part of daily life at our School. Leadership is not just about academic success; it is about character and responsibility. By embedding these practices into the fabric of the School, we are ensuring that the AGS of tomorrow remains as resilient, respectful, and relevant as the AGS of the last four centuries. This plan belongs to all of us, and I look forward to working with the entire school community to achieve it.
Mark Sturgeon, Headmaster
@AGSHeadmaster
AGS Sustainability Goals MISSION STATEMENT
Enhancing Educational Outcomes and Wellbeing - AGS acknowledges that High-quality, inspiring environments and regular access to nature are linked to improved attendance, motivation, and staff satisfaction. Addressing Immediate Climate Risks - Climate change is a current reality rather than a future problem; 32% of schools already report overheating, and 38% of secondary school buildings are at high risk from surface water flooding. Building resilience is essential to prevent disruption to learning through adaptation and mitigation. Achieving Financial Sustainability - Energy-efficient buildings and renewable technologies like solar panels can significantly reduce operational costs, with typical schools estimated to save up to £25,000 per year. These savings allow for the reinvestment of resources into core educational priorities. Leading the Transition to Net Zero - AGS is an educational innovator in teaching and research and now must lead the way demonstrating a pathway to a net-zero educational ecosystem. The school must provide a practical living lab for students to develop the green skills and climate literacy required for the future workforce. Fostering Community Resilience - By optimising the use of space and enhancing biodiversity, the school contributes to wider environmental regeneration and provides vital local infrastructure that supports the health and well-being of students and staff. The following Eight Aylesbury Grammar School Sustainability Goals (SG) outline the core drivers for these objectives. These goals represent a fundamental shift from a reactive approach toward a proactive, long-term vision for the school estate. .
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” Robert Swan, Explorer and Environmentalist
SGNet-Zero 1
We aim to achieve net-zero operation by systematically auditing our carbon footprint and implementing a long-term strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all school activities, ultimately achieving netzero by 2035 We aim to ensure that all renovations to the School Estate are carried out with sustainability at the forefront. We aim to embrace new and innovative technologies in transport, catering, and electricity use.
SGRecycling 3 We aim to eliminate waste and promote a circular economy within the school, by prioritising sustainable materials, reducing single-use items, and instilling a community-wide commitment to effective recycling and litter reduction
We aim to identify and implement effective waste management strategies in line with the Government’s Simpler Recycling Strategy
SGEfficiency 2 We aim to foster a culture of energy and resource efficiency by modernising our infrastructure, using data-driven monitoring to reduce electricity and water consumption, and ensuring the responsible stewardship of natural resources We aim to include staff and students in our drive to reduce our resource use and save energy
SG 4 SG 5 Procurement Biodiversity We aim to cultivate a sustainable supply chain by working with local providers and modernising our catering and transportation practices to reduce the environmental impact of our daily operations
We aim to enhance and protect biodiversity on our site by creating green corridors and high-quality outdoor spaces that support local wildlife and provide pupils with regular, meaningful access to nature
SGEducation 6
We aim to integrate climate literacy into the heart of our curriculum by providing students and staff with the knowledge and green skills required to understand environmental challenges and lead the transition to a sustainable future
SG 7 Community
We aim to empower our community through leadership and collaboration by appointing dedicated sustainability leads and involving students, staff, and governors in the delivery and review of our climate objectives
We aim to include our students in the process of improving and caring for our school and the planet We aim to communicate our intentions and our actions to parents and the wider community
SGAdaptation 8
We aim to build a climate-resilient estate by proactively adapting our buildings and grounds to manage the impacts of a changing climate, with a specific focus on preventing overheating and mitigating flood risks to ensure an uninterrupted learning experience for our students and staff.
We aim to integrate sustainable design with robust infrastructure, we are committed to safeguarding our community and securing a viable, long-term environment for educational excellence