Climate change and sustainability: inspiring eco-friendly operational management
Introduction
There are a number of operational leadership areas in schools where by adopting pro-environmental positions and policies when setting working practices and procuring goods and services, carbon emissions and environmental impact can be reduced.
This section provides model policies, templates and links that will enable leaders to adopt a more pro-environmental position. In time, we will be sharing examples of pro-environmental operational management from schools across Hertfordshire.
3 actions you can take now:
- Adopt a green procurement strategy. We are developing a model policy for use in schools.
- Meet with your catering provider about minimising the use of single-use plastics and reducing food waste.
- Utilise digital platforms to harness interactive technologies in the classroom and to set and receive homework, reducing the amount of printing in school.
Resources to inspire
Below you will find a selection of resources to inspire your next steps related to each of the suggested actions.
- Education Executive: Sustainability in school procurement - this article considers how schools can make their procurement process more eco-friendly
- Sustainabilty and Environmental Education: Top tips for sustainable purchasing in schools
- David Luke: Eco uniform supplier
- Flexible Storage: How much paper gets wasted in the UK every year?
- HFL Education: EdTech - Google Education and Chromebooks - changing the way we communicate and learn.
- Technology in schools blogs - the blogs contain the latest information and advice on using technology in the classroom from HFL Education.
Other useful resources
Department for Education
The Department for Education has developed guidance, Top tips for Sustainability in Schools, which provides practical ways for schools to become more sustainable. The publication covers carbon reduction, energy and water use, sustainable purchasing, travel, waste reduction, and catering and includes teaching resources.
DfE: Top tips for sustainability in schools
Let’s Go Zero
Let’s Go Zero campaign supports UK schools to be zero carbon by 2030. They provide schools with sustainability advice, such as energy use, car-free school runs and plant-based canteens.
Recycling Bins
Did you know that 75% of the aluminium ever made is still in production?
An aluminium can put in the recycling can be back on the shelf in 60 days!
Do you know how much waste is left behind?
Share your successes, or ask us for resources
We are keen to hear from schools on the actions they are taking to reduce climate change. Contact us at climateactionschools@hertfordshire.gov.uk to share your success stories. The most inspiring will feature in our planned digital publication “Inspiring Stories to Reduce Climate Change in Schools”.
If you require further model policies, templates or support get in touch at: climateactionschools@hertfordshire.gov.uk. We of course can’t promise to always provide but are keen to support schools wherever possible.