Big Move 4: Sustainability

Our ambition is to become one of the most sustainable school trusts in the country. We are deeply committed to leaving the world in a better place, to meet the needs of the present without compromising our ability to meet the needs of future generations.

In 2022, we developed our dedicated sustainability strategy and 10 year decarbonisation plan, with an aspirational target of becoming net carbon neutral by 2030.

Our sustainability strategy is closely aligned with the DfE Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the framework set out in the One Planet Living principles.

Investing in a Greener Future

We have already made significant investments to decarbonise our school estate. Through effective use of our School Condition Allocation funding and support from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, we have been able to deliver a range of projects to help reduce our carbon footprint, including;

• Upgrades to heating infrastructure

• Installation of solar PV panels and air source heat pumps

• Double glazing and LED lighting upgrade programmes

• Commencement of phased implementation of EV charging points

• 1:1 devices (iPads) across Key Stages 2, 3 & 4

• New energy management dashboard

Leaving the World in a Better Place

The positive changes we have made are improving our energy efficiency and reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources. In turn, we are reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Over the last 12 months we have:

• Reduced our CO2 emissions by over 300 metric tonnes

• Generated 366,000 Kwh of sustainable clean energy for our schools (the equivalent of powering 75 homes for a year)

• Reduced our annual energy consumption by

Our 2022 Highlights

• Students attend our very own trust-wide WAT COP summit to help shape our approach to sustainability

• Students collaborated at the Schools for the Future: Sustainable Education Summit

• Eco committees, developed by our Student Senate, helping to drive action

• Eco clubs in our schools making a difference

• Using our school grounds to ensure students learn in and about the natural environment

• Pilot to phase out Single Use Plastic bottles in schools

• Planting of trees (Queen’s Green Canopy and