Schools can play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. From 2025 schools in the UK are required to have a school sustainability lead and a school climate action plan to  align with the UK’s net-zero target by 2050. This has been outlined in the UK Department For Education’s (DfE) Sustainability & Climate Change strategy for education and children’s services systems .

So the question now is, what is a school climate action plan and what should it include? A school climate action plan is a strategic framework that outlines how a school can reduce its environmental impact, promote sustainability in day-to-day operations, and integrate climate education into its curriculum. The plan can also include setting goals for energy efficiency and waste reduction.

What are the benefits of a climate action plan? A well-structured plan can benefit your school in many ways. First, it can help reduce costs, establish a strong foundation for students, and contribute to a more sustainable future. By doing so, UK schools can play a key role in preparing future generations to tackle the challenges of climate change. To create an effective plan, there are several factors to consider, including community engagement, climate resilience, and, most importantly, integrating environmental education into the curriculum. Here are some things to consider when designing your school climate action plan:

Key Components of a School Climate Action Plan

1. 1. Climate Resilience and Adaptation: Prepare for extreme weather events by incorporating climate resilience into your school’s infrastructure. Understanding climate risks and preparing for events like heatwaves can help safeguard the community.
   2. Decarbonisation: Reduce your school’s dependence on fossil fuels by switching to renewable sources of energy. In addition try to make the building and campus more energy efficient
   3. Biodiversity: Increase green spaces in your school by re-greening or improving existing green spaces or by creating new green spaces to encourage a healthy ecosystem of plants and species.
   4. Curriculum Integration: Incorporate climate and sustainability topics into all subject areas. Start gradually by introducing new vocabulary or articles. The UK government encourages incorporating climate education into subjects like science, geography, and even art.

Practical Steps for Climate Action & Sustainability

1. Goal Setting: Set both short-term and long-term goals that are realistic and measurable.
   • Short-term example: Aim for a 5-10% reduction in energy use within the next year.
   • Long-term example: Keep the target of net-zero emissions by 2050 at the forefront of your school’s strategy.
2. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
   • Energy Audits: Start by conducting an energy audit to identify areas where energy can be saved.
   • Simple Upgrades: Switch to LED lighting, adjust heating settings, and explore solar panel installation.
   • Government Support: Take advantage of programs like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme for energy-efficient upgrades.
3. Waste and Recycling
   • Recycling Stations: Set up accessible recycling points for paper, plastics, and food waste to support the UK’s environmental goals.
   • Composting: Start composting food waste to reduce landfill waste and enrich school gardens.
4. Sustainable Transport
   • Active Travel: Encourage walking, cycling, and public transport. Aim for a 5-10% increase in active travel.
   • Carpooling: Set up a carpooling scheme to reduce car use and emissions.
5. Curriculum Integration: Introduce climate and sustainability education in your school in an age-appropriate manner across all grades. Provide teachers with CPD on climate education so they’re able to teach this complex topic using the right pedagogy. Allow students to build a knowledge of the science behind climate change but also develop leadership and advocacy skills which will give them the confidence to take climate action.
6. Progress Tracking: Set up a system to monitor energy use, waste management, and other sustainability measures. Tracking progress toward reducing energy consumption, waste, and carbon emissions helps the school make any necessary adjustments.
7. Community Engagement: Involve students, teachers, parents, and local organisations to create a sense of ownership and inspire action. Engagement can include everything from eco-friendly events to sustainability challenges that encourage students to take the lead.
8. Collaboration with Local Councils
   • Funding and Resources: Local councils often provide funding and support for school sustainability projects and curricula. Reach out for grants and advice.
   • Align with Local Climate Action Plans: Councils are developing climate action plans, which you can align your school’s goals with to increase support and impact.

What are Your First Steps?

Start the conversation with your school leadership and colleagues. Set clear, achievable goals and take small steps that add up. A school climate action plan doesn’t need to be overwhelming—every small action counts toward making a difference. By following these steps, your school can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

Here are some resources to get you started on your climate education journey: 

• Refer to our Global Learning Standards on Climate Change for 3-7 year olds
• Planet Action by Earth Warriors & Oxford University Press Book
• Earth Warriors Sample Lessons