Sustaining the future through education
School Climate Action Plan
m G reen Tea
Contents Climate Action Plan
1
Decarbonisation
1
Biodiversity
2
Green Skills & Curriculum
3
Climate Adaptation & Resilience
4
Implementation
5
Governance Data & Tracking
5 5
Conclusion
5
Policies
6
Action Plans
7
Decarbonisation Biodiversity Green Skills & Curriculum Climate Adaptation & Resilience Governance, Data & Monitoring
Annex School Site Playing Fields Acremont & Fairstead House Whole School Map
7 9 10 11 12
13 13 14 15 16
Climate Action Plan (CAP) - King’s Ely/Fairstead House 2025-2050 This Plan has been completed using the Four Pillars of the DfE Climate Action Plan Framework 1. Decarbonisation 2. Biodiversity 3. Green Skills & Curriculum including Careers Goals 4. Climate Adaptation & Resilience
1. Decarbonisation One of the goals of this Climate Action Plan or CAP is to reduce direct and indirect carbon emissions from the King’s School operations and align with national Net Zero objectives. [blue-marble.co.uk] 1.1 Estate Energy Efficiency •
Conduct a whole-estate carbon audit to determine current consumption patterns (electricity, gas, water).
•
Upgrade to LED lighting and smart, zoned building management systems across classrooms, boarding houses, and sports facilities including Fairstead House.
•
Install high-efficiency insulation, double glazing, and draft-proofing across older heritage buildings where permissible.
1.2 Renewable Energy Generation •
Where possible install rooftop solar photovoltaics on modern blocks and sports halls.
•
Investigate ground-source or air-source heat pumps for new buildings or major refurbishments.
•
Explore participation in community renewable energy schemes across Cambridgeshire.
1.3 Low-Carbon Transport •
Transition School utility vehicles and in due course minibuses to electric options with on-site charging infrastructure.
•
Expand cycle-to-school incentives and safe-route mapping for pupils and staff in conjunction with local transport authorities.
1.4 Sustainable Procurement •
Adopt low-carbon procurement standards across food, uniform suppliers, cleaning, ICT, and construction.
•
Require suppliers to document their carbon reduction commitments.
September 2026
1
2. Biodiversity Schools are expected to support a better environment for future generations, enhancing access to and connection with nature in education settings. [gov.uk] 2.1 Nature-Rich Campus Development •
Create further biodiversity zones: wildflower meadows, hedgerows, woodland edges, and bee-friendly planting around paths and playing fields.
•
Continue to replace ornamental shrubs with, where possible, native species and enhance carbon-absorbing landscaping.
2.2 Outdoor Learning and Nature Park Participation •
Encourage all sections of School to join the National Education Nature Park programme to link biodiversity action with learning. [gov.uk] King’s Ely Prep are enrolled and engaging with the programme.
•
Designate a space in the School grounds as "living classrooms" for science, geography, art, and wellbeing.
2.3 Habitat Restoration Projects •
Appropriately support the established ponds and wetlands to support amphibians and invertebrate diversity and where possible create additional habitats to support wildlife.
•
Create wildlife corridors between campus green areas and neighbouring rural landscapes.
2.4 Community Biodiversity Engagement •
Partner with nearby organisations (e.g., wildlife trusts, Cathedral greenspaces, local farms, Ely Golf Course, ECDC and housing areas in Ely and Newmarket).
•
Host community biodiversity days, tree planting events, and citizen science projects.
September 2026
2
3. Green Skills & Curriculum including Careers Goals The DfE framework emphasises embedding climate literacy and green skills across education. 3.1 Curriculum Integration •
Embed climate literacy across Science, Humanities /Geography, PSHE, Economics, and Technology.
•
Introduce enquiry-based learning that addresses real sustainability challenges on campus.
•
Integrate Climate-wellbeing education to support students coping with eco-anxiety.
3.2 Green Careers Pathways •
Provide careers talks on renewable energy, environmental sciences, sustainable engineering, agriculture, and green finance.
•
Partner with local green employers, including Agri-tech groups in Ely and Cambridgeshire.
3.3 Skills Development •
Provide hands-on sustainability projects: energy monitoring, waste audits, biodiversity sampling, and water-use analysis.
•
Support pupil participation in national initiatives such as Eco-Schools, Count your Carbon, Big Waste Week etc and competitions on climate innovation.
3.4 Staff Development •
Train teaching and support staff in climate education, using DfE sustainability leadership guidance. [gov.uk]
•
Appoint a Sustainability Lead as required under DfE expectations for all education settings. [gov.uk]
September 2026
3
4. Climate Adaptation & Resilience Schools must adapt to increased weather risks and ensure safe, resilient learning environments. 4.1 Risk Assessment •
Identify climate-related risks: heatwaves, flooding, drought stress on grounds, supply-chain disruption, see Health & Saftey Policy.
•
Conduct annual campus climate-risk reviews aligned with DfE Estate Management Standards. [gov.uk]
4.2 Adaptation of Buildings •
Install shading structures, cool-roofs, and improved ventilation to manage extreme heat.
•
Improve drainage infrastructure and permeable surfaces to reduce flood risk.
4.3 Emergency Planning •
Update business continuity plans to include climate hazards (e.g., heat closures, storm damage).
•
Train staff on extreme-weather safeguarding protocols. Ensure staff are aware of children with special educational needs, emotional and behavioural difficulties who may be more vulnerable are catered for, see Safeguarding , SEND and H&S Policies.
4.4 Health & Wellbeing •
Expand shaded outdoor spaces to protect pupils during hotter summers.
•
Integrate climate-wellbeing education to support students coping with eco-anxiety. See SEND policy.
September 2026
4
Implementation & Monitoring Governance •
Establish a Sustainability Steering Group with representation from SLT, Estates, Finance, academic and pupils. Possibly including parents in due course, as and when needed..
•
Publish an annual Sustainability Report outlining progress, challenges, and next-year priorities.
Data & Tracking •
Use tools from the DfE’s Sustainability Support for Education programme and Climate Ambassador Programme for benchmarking and expert support. [gov.uk]
•
Monitor KPIs across energy use, waste reduction, biodiversity, student engagement, and resilience metrics.
Conclusion This Four-Pillar Climate Action Plan enables King’s Ely to: •
Reduce emissions,
•
Enhance biodiversity,
•
Equip pupils with green skills and climate literacy,
•
Build resilience against future climate risks.
This Climate Action Plan (CAP) aligns fully with the DfE Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy and national expectations for all education settings. In addition, King’s Ely’s recognises the importance of developing students’ knowledge of sustainability and carbon reduction, to improve the world we live in and the environment we work, play and learn in.
September 2026
5
Please read in conjunction with the below policies: King’s Ely’ School Policies closely related to the Climate Action Plan 1. Health and Safety Policy Energy efficiency, heating/lighting standards, and safe use of equipment. Waste disposal methods and reducing environmental hazards. 2. Procurement Policy Mandates for ethical and sustainable purchasing. References to value-for-money while considering environmental impact. 3. Curriculum Policy Integration of climate change education into science, geography, and PSHE. Promoting awareness of sustainability as part of School ethos. 4. Educational Visits / Travel Policy Policies on overseas trips, transportation choices, and carbon-offsetting opportunities. 6. Risk Management & Crisis/Business Continuity Flooding, extreme weather responses connected to climate risk. 7. Visiting Speaker & External Engagement Environmental educators. 8. IT and Digital Use Policy Reducing energy footprint via IT systems and e-learning where relevant. Other Areas with indirect links for consideration. -Building and Estates Maintenance: Energy efficient lighting, insulation, renewable energy initiatives, BMS systems, roof construction inc solar, general construction methods. -Grounds and Gardens: Planting schemes, irrigation methods, mowing schedules, tree care. -Catering services: Food policies - reducing food waste, recycling, sourcing sustainable produce, promoting plant-based options if included. -Domestic Services: recycled products, waste reduction, use of chemicals.
September 2026
6
Action
Climate Action Plan – Action Table Decarbonisation Goal
Steps
Reduce carbon • Audit electricity, gas, water use Conduct whole-estate emissions from estate • Review building performance carbon audit • Identify high-consumption areas operations • Replace lighting with LED • Install automated zoning Upgrade to LED and smart building • Replace boilers for more efficient boilers systems
• Survey heritage restrictions • Specify solutions for older buildings • Implement upgrades
Improve estate energy efficiency
Install insulation, glazing, draft-proofing
• Identify suitable roofs • Conduct structural checks • Install PV arrays
• Review controls in boarding houses & sports facilities
Improve energy performance of buildings Install rooftop solar PV
7
Increase renewable energy generation
September 2026
External auditor: Estates MH team time; utility data
Who
2027-2028
Capital funding; electrical contractor; controls provider
Resources
2020–2027
Capital budget; specialist contractor; conservation MH approvals
Timeline
2020–2050
Solar installer; structural MH survey; capital funding
MH
2027–2035
Timeline
Engineers; capital funding; DfE guidance
Resources
MH/FSH
MH
Decarbonisation
2028–2050
EV chargers; vehicle replacement budget
Who
• Heat-loss calculations • Infrastructure review • Install systems during refurbishments
2025–2035
Steps
Assess heat pump feasibility • Plan charging infrastructure • Replace utility fleet • Transition minibuses
Action
Transition to low-carbon heating Electrify school vehicles
Staff time; local transport MH partners
Goal
Reduce transport emissions
2026–2027
MH
• Update route maps • Add secure bike storage • Promote incentives
Procurement team; supplier engagement
Expand cycle-to-school and safe-route planning
2027–2030
8
• Update Procurement Policy • Require supplier carbon reporting • Monitor compliance
Encourage low-carbon travel Adopt low-carbon Lower procurement procurement emissions standards
September 2026
Biodiversity
Improve biodiversity across campus Participate in National Education Nature Park
Create biodiversity zones
• Select location • Clear existing ponds • Add aquatic plants
• Register as participant • Integrate into curriculum • Upload data to platform
• Map areas for meadows/hedgerows • Prepare soil • Plant native species
Steps
Increase nature-connected learning
Develop ponds/wetlands
• Identify green link routes • Plant hedges and native species • Reduce barriers
Action
Enhance ecological habitats
Establish wildlife corridors
Goal
Improve wildlife mobility
Host biodiversity events
9
• London Plane tree works inc funding from Heritage lottery grant
• Plan events, Open Gardens • Collaborate with wildlife trusts • Promote citizen science
Engage wider community
September 2026
2020–2030
Staff CPD; DfE Nature Park resources
Grounds staff; plants; ecological advisor
MH
HEM
MH
Who
2027
Contractor; water-management equipment
MH
Resources
2020–2030
Grounds team; ecological advice
Timeline
2020–2030
Staff time; local partners
MH
Annual (starting2025)
Action
Steps
Green Skills & Curriculum (Including Careers Goals) Goal • Review schemes of work Integrate sustainability across • Add climate links in subjects • Monitor delivery curriculum Provide • Invite speakers green-sector career • Arrange employer visits pathways • Link with agri-tech sector
Embed climate literacy
Promote green careers
Deliver practical eco-projects
• Use DfE training Train staff in climate • Conduct in-house sessions education • Appoint Sustainability Lead
• ECO Schools • Biodiversity sampling
• Energy monitoring • Waste audits
Build hands-on sustainability skills
Develop climate-aware workforce
September 2026
10
Timeline
Resources
Who
PHSE Department
Geography, Academic staff time; CPD Science, budget
Careers team; local industry partners
2020–ongoing
2025–ongoing
Equipment (meters, sampling kits)
CPD time; DfE resources
2025–ongoing
2028
Resources
Who
Climate Adaptation & Resilience
Timeline
MH
related risks
Update business continuity plans
Steps
SLT & Estates team; DfE frameworks
MH
Strengthen emergency planning
Action
Starting 2027, annual
Capital works budget; contractors
MH
Goal
2020–2030
Groundworks contractor; civil engineer
MH
Reduce climate-
2020–2032
SLT time; staff training
MH
• Conduct drills
11
• Add climate scenarios to Risk Register • Train staff on extreme weather protocols, ensure staff are aware of children with special educational needs.
• Identify heat, flood, drought risks • Update Risk Register • Align with DfE estate standards
• Audit hot spots Increase heat Add shading, cool • Install shading resilience roofs, ventilation • Upgrade ventilation
2026–ongoing
Grounds staff; wellbeing team
Conduct annual climate-risk reviews
Improve drainage • Survey drainage Manage flood and permeable • Add permeable surfaces risk surfaces • Maintain gutters and channels
2026- ongoing
Provide shaded Support • Increase shaded areas wellbeing in area for wellbeing • Add eco-anxiety support content climate stress education
September 2026
SLT sponsorship; staff time
MH
MH
Governance, Data & Monitoring
Data tools; report writer
MH
• Appoint Sustainability Lead • Appoint representatives • Meet termly • Review KPIs
2026
Who
Action
Annually, 2026
DfE platforms; staff training
Resources
Goal
2026–ongoing
Timeline
Ensure whole-school oversight
• Collect KPI data Publish annual • Draft report sustainability report • Report to Governors termly
Re-Establish Sustainability Steering Group/Green Team
• Implement monitoring tools • Benchmark annually
Steps
Track progress effectively
Use DfE sustainability tools
12
Improve measurement
September 2026
13
Annex A – King’s Ely School site, excluding Acremont House, Fairstead House, Brand, Campus and Amhurst playing field s September 2026
September 2026
Annex B – Amhurst Playing field
14
Annex C Brand and Campus Playing fields (and Wenn field)
Annex D Acremont House
September 2026
Annex E – Fairstead House
15
psum
34 Hill House
33 Cherry Hill Classrooms
32 Hermatige Classrooms
31 Monastic Barn (Dining Hall)
30 Catering Office
29 Barton Square
28 Walsingham House
27 Etheldreda House
26 Prior Crauden’s Chapel
25 Priory House
24 Science Block
23 Osmond House
22 Wilkinson House
21 Silver Street Pedestrian Gate
20 Old Hereward
19 Torfrida House
18 Withburga House
17 Gibson Music School
16 Art Centre
15 Drama Department
14 Hayward Theatre
13 Examinations Office
12 Hayward Theatre Pedestrian Gate
11 Learning Support
10 The Porta (Library)
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
School House
Queen’s Hall
Wendreda House
OP Staff Parking
Sixth Form Centre
OP Visitor Parking
Development Office
The Principal’s Office
The Old Palace
75 King’s Ely Nursery
74 Cherry Hill Park
73 The Boathouse
72 Train Station
71 Church Lane Entrance
70 Barton Road Exit
69 School Field
68 School Pavilion
67 The Paddock
66 Morbey Hall
65 King’s Ely Prep
64 Campus & Brand Fields
63 Amherst Field
62 Technology Block
61 Swimming Pool
60 Netball/Tennis Courts
59 Grounds Yard
58 Laundry
57 Ely Scheme
56 PE Store
55 Sports Hall/PE Office
54 Prep Drama Studio
53 PE Classroom/Domestic Services
52 Site Office/Grounds and Gardens Manager
51 Nearly New Uniform Shop
50 Co-Curricular/Careers/Chaplaincy Hub
49 Staff Common Room
48 Barton Farm Parking
47 Hereward Hall
46 Head of Senior, DH Academic, DH Co-curriculum
45 BWH Pupil Entrance
44 Health and Wellbeing Centre
43 Admissions and Marketing
42 Main Reception and Administration Offices
41 Bishop Woodford House
40 Astroturf
1
35 Catherine Needham Building
76 King’s Ely Acremont
2
36 Barton Road Entrance
4
37 New Field
77 Cathedral South Door
3
38 Cricket Nets
P
Public
75
68 66
P
Public
6
7
76 eet ont Str et Stre Egrem ary’s St M
71
69
5
16
15
1
70
65
79
78
17 14
Silve r
Stree t
44
Barton Road
16
8
62
45
22
23
19
11
61
12 18
13
24
26
20
The Gall ery
9
High Street
21
41
77
25
49
56
50
54 58
42
59
43
60
40
80
51 52
57
55
29
46
48
36
27
10
47
53
28
30 32
39
34
74
33
For eH ill
31
Back Hill
37
35
64
38
Broad Street
67
Church Lane
Points of Visitor Sign in & Entry to the School
78 Cathedral West Door 79 Golf Course
39 Netball/Tennis Courts
80 Assault Course
Annex D Whole School Map September 2026
Ca mb rid ge Ro ad Parade Lane
Sta tion Ro ad
73
72
63
C o m p l e t e2 l y2 King’s
The Old Palace Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4EW 01353 660700 www.kingsely.org