With each new year comes a new set of priorities, and in 2025, it looks like sustainability will top the agenda for schools.
The sustainability spotlight is set to shine even brighter on the UK education sector’s journey to decarbonisation this year. The increased focus is part of the Government’s (DfE’s) Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, which is aimed at making sure nurseries, schools, colleges and universities all play their part in moving the net zero needle forward.
Why 2025 is such a pivotal year
As part of the strategy, all schools must have already drawn up climate action plans and be ready to implement them from this month (January).
The DfE has also said it will start to publish targets and institutional progress for the further and higher education sectors from this year. And it will set targets for schools to meet between now and 2035 too.
Other key actions set to kick in this year
The DfE’s strategy focuses on educational sustainability from every possible angle, starting with climate education and green skills & careers. Then moving on to education estates, digital infrastructures, operations and supply chains, before ending with the international outlook.
There’s already a lot for schools to digest and adopt, and there’s much more to come too as the DfE ramps up its efforts to make the UK ‘the world-leading education sector in sustainability and climate change by 2030.’ This includes:
- Education estate on-site emission progress against national targets being published from 2025 onwards
- Decarbonisation being accelerated by replacing school boilers with ground or air source heat solutions
- Carbon literacy being increased by the data that is generated as schools’ climate action plans are delivered
Nine ways schools can become more sustainable
The stakes are high and the remit for schools to reduce their carbon footprint is widespread. Fortunately, the opportunities to become greener have evolved and multiplied over the years, making what once seemed impossible achievable in so many ways.
A prime example of this is Treetops Free School in Essex. Commissioned by the DfE as part of its MMC1 framework, the site is sustainable through-and-through. Let’s take a closer look at those all-important details…
1. Extensive insulation
The floors, walls and ceilings have been built using an air-tight structural timber panel system with an insulated envelope, even under the foundations.
2. Efficient heating and cooling systems
The installation of mechanical heat recovery units provides the required internal ventilation without adding to the school’s carbon footprint.
3. Carbon Pathfinder compliance
Treetops was the first school in the UK to be completed under the new DfE’s Carbon Pathfinder ten-point plan.
4. Zero fossil fuels
Every single system, right down to the Bunsen burners in the science block, is powered by electricity.
5. Sustainably sourced materials
Sustainably sourced materials have been used throughout, including permeable paving to reduce water run-off and flooding and contamination, and goat hair carpet tiles.
6. Solar panels
Ground and roof-mounted solar panels, capable of generating 300KW p/a that will reduce the school’s energy bills by around £9,000 a year, have been installed.
7. Energy efficient lighting and heating controls
Sensor-controlled low energy lights and intelligent heating controls have been fitted on every level to minimise energy wastage.
8. Soft landscaping
Permeable paving and soft landscaping have been installed as part of the design in order to increase the schools resilience to the impacts of climate change, as well as complying with sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS).
9. EPC A+ rating
As a result of the lean, clean and green technologies implemented above, the school’s EPC rating is an impressive A+.
Don’t get left behind
The race for schools to become greener and cleaner is officially on. Energy efficiency, flexibility and, of course, net zero targets, all form part of this future vision, which is capable of generating some game-changing results, as demonstrated by Treetops Free School.
The end result is not only extremely impressive, but a valuable lesson for other schools on what 21st century sustainable school building design looks like, and can act as a guide when seeking to make those all-important sustainable improvements.
Need help with accelerating your journey to zero carbon this year? Get in touch today to discuss your requirements with us.
