Our Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

We are committed to minimising our impact on, and improving the quality of, the environment. Since 2021 Oundle has worked in partnership with iiE, Investors in the Environment, achieving Bronze accreditation in the summer of 2022.

The next target is Silver accreditation by September 2023. Across the pupil body, the Green Team, House Green Reps, PPF Environment Ambassadors and Community Action Green Activists have been working on a variety of projects and initiatives, while a School-wide Environmental Management System commits us to specific carbon and environmental targets.

The Green Team now has 70 active members. Follow them on Instagram @oundlegreenteam

Notable achievements include:

● All investment funds have been switched to those of a sustainable and ethical nature

● Energy monitoring systems now inform and drive behaviour change

● 100% of our electricity is supplied by suppliers using renewable energy, with data on carbon footprint and energy usage being captured across the whole estate

● A phased programme to replace lighting with LED systems, including timed switches, across the School estate has begun, as has a rolling programme of ‘smart’ meter installation

● Three trees are being planted for each one removed as part of our tree management strategy

● Targeted planting of wildflowers around the estate has encouraged biodiversity and wildlife

● The Grocers Company has planted around 3,000 English trees in Oundle, alongside improvements to the wetland area

● An EV scheme for staff has been introduced, alongside the cycle to work scheme.

Notable ongoing initiatives include:

● Introducing green impact measures into trip planning

● Developing a Sustainability standard that can be applied to all new building developments

● Reviewing the School fleet to ensure sustainable transport solutions

● Moving to fully recyclable exercise books made from bagasse paper

● Minimising food waste and reducing meat consumption in catering, while also introducing reusable containers and banning single-use plastics

● Regular reminders about use of recycling bins, light switches and paper consumption, with clear targets for reduction of print across the School

● Changing heating and laundry schedules

● A pupil venture with the environmental charity PECT to pilot a scheme aimed at increasing the use of reusable cups in Oundle town

● Greater pre-loved uniform sales provision.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY TO TAKE BOTH INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE ACTION TOWARDS A CARBON ZERO GOAL IN A DETERMINED, CONSISTENT AND SINGLE-MINDED WAY.”

Sarah Kerr-Dineen, Head