Berkhamsted Schools Group - Sustainability Report 2022

Berkhamsted Schools Group Annual Sustainability Report

Produced by: Orbis Advisory Ltd

Forewords

Mr Richard Backhouse

Chair of Berkhamsted Sustainability Committee

It goes without saying that the topic of sustainability should be at the forefront of our minds. This is not the responsibility of specified individuals, groups or nations but the responsibility of each and every one of us. Schools can play an important role in achieving our sustainability targets by educating the next generation.

Berkhamsted School has a commitment to incorporating sustainability into its core activities of teaching, learning, and operations.

We have established a Sustainability Committee to promote and coordinate the development and implementation of sustainability initiatives across all areas of our school, building on the many meaningful initiatives already started or delivered over the last couple of years.

The Committee will provide leadership, coordination and guidance to the School for integration of sustainability principles and practices throughout our core teaching, learning, operational, and charitable activities.

I have already been impressed by the passion and drive shown by all involved. The breadth of commitment is really highlighted across all sections of the Schools Group in the writing of this Annual Sustainability Report. This is a good start and we have had time to document the positive steps we have been and are taking. However, the pathway ahead is also becoming clearer, and it will be important for us to maintain momentum as we use this report not only as a tool of reflection but also as a springboard for the future.

The partnership we have developed with Orbis Advisory has been greatly appreciated and we very much value the guidance and support they have and are continuing to provide in this long journey towards achieving our goals.

We hope that the steps we are taking will make a difference and will, perhaps, encourage others in the local and wider communities to start their own sustainability journeys.

Mr Richard Thompson , Assistant Vice Principal

About Berkhamsted

Organisational Structure

Governance

Governance

SDG goal 15 is all about protecting life on land. Both the School as a group and our students have projects that focus on supporting biodiversity and natural habitats and conservation initiatives aimed at protecting and increasing flora and fauna across the School Estate. This includes collaborating with the Wildlife Trust, and for the students to partake in the Swiftly Sustainable initiative and the Eco Schools Programme.

SDG goal 11 is all about the development of sustainable cities and communities. We contribute to this goal by supporting and prioritising the use of local businesses in procurement of materials, goods, and services, and encourage spending within the local community with our gift cards and vouchers given to our staff members often being from local businesses. We further support this goal by taking care of the green spaces around us through various biodiversity and conservation projects, with the school students often partaking in clean-ups. We further encourage sustainable ways of commuting for both students and staff, including providing discounts on public transport, car-sharing, and use of bikes.

SDG goal 12 is all about promoting and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. At Berkhamsted, we work to ensure sustainable management and efficiency of the natural resources we use, from management of our own Estate to procurement of products for the Schools. We work to reduce our consumption and waste generation through the principles of prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. Our students are further provided with the knowledge and awareness needed to promote sustainable development and lead sustainable lifestyles.

Charities Supported Across The School

2021/2022 Academic Year

School Placement Partners

2021/2022 Academic Year

Produced by: Orbis Advisory Ltd