How to Improve Sustainability in Schools (Without Extra Budget)

How to Improve Sustainability in Schools (Without Extra Budget)

With growing pressure to meet UK Government targets and Department for Education (DfE) Net Zero Goals, schools and MATs across the UK are searching for ways to become more eco-friendly. However, with 70% of schools in England having less funding than in 2010, this can seem daunting and expensive. 

With the launch of our latest sustainability feature, iAM Sustainable, we can help you discover simple, impactful sustainability efforts without spending a penny. In this blog, we’ll explore the role of education for sustainable development in building a greener, lower-cost future. 

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

• How to improve sustainability in schools 

• Behavioural changes in school to drive environmental impact 

• How to track and manage your school’s emissions without extra cost

• Empowering staff and students through sustainability training 

Let’s dive in!

Why Becoming A Sustainable School Matters

As concerns surrounding the effects of climate change grow, schools have a unique responsibility and excellent opportunity to lead by example. Becoming a sustainability school isn’t just about reducing carbon emissions or reducing food waste - it’s about embedding eco-conscious values into your school curriculum and everyday operations. 

A recent study revealed that 80% of students want their educational institution to be doing more for sustainability. When pupils see their school taking action, it reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship and enhances community engagement.

By taking small, intentional steps, schools can reap the benefits of sustainability and prove that reaching Net Zero targets is possible, without breaking the bank.

How to Improve Sustainability in School

Becoming a sustainable school doesn’t always require intense structural changes or expensive tech. One of the most effective ways to reduce your school’s carbon footprint is through small, everyday behavioural shifts, driven by both staff and students. 

Here’s some tips for sustainability to improve sustainability in school through simple, low-cost actions:

Track & Measure School Sustainability Without Extra Costs

If your school is ready to take responsibility for environmental issues, tracking your progress is essential. You won’t need a large budget or outside consultants to get started - knowing how to improve sustainability in school starts with measuring what matters, and that’s exactly where iAM Sustainable comes in. 

This powerful, easy-to-use platform helps schools and Multi-Academy Trusts take control of their environmental impact in a smart, cost-effective way. 

Here’s how iAM Sustainable helps schools become more sustainable without the high cost: 

• Create Climate Action Plans In-House
  Build a tailored Climate Action Plan directly within our platform - no consultants needed. Set clear sustainability goals, track your school’s progress and take meaningful action to align with Net Zero goals. 

• Built-In SECR (Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting)
  Easily track and report Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions using our energy management software. Stay compliant, promote transparency and gain insights into where your carbon footprint lies and implement energy-saving measures.

• Energy Consumption Management
  Monitor your school’s energy usage and identify areas of waste and inefficiency. Use this data to make smarter, cost-saving decisions that reduce your energy bills and environmental impact. 
  
  
• AI-Powered Sustainability News
  Stay ahead of emerging trends and ever-changing environmental legislation with AI-powered sustainability updates, keeping staff and students informed and environmental compliance front and centre.

Education for Sustainability Starts with Staff Training

Effective sustainability in schools is about creating a culture where everyone, from school leaders to students, understands their role in leading a greener future. Education for sustainable development equips your school community with the knowledge, green skills and values needed to drive long-term environmental change. 

Here’s how iAM Sustainable makes sustainability staff training simple and impactful: 

• Bite-Sized, Engaging Modules
  With courses like A Path to Carbon Zero, Carbon Reduction Strategies and Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR), each training session is no longer than 15 minutes, meaning busy staff can easily integrate environmental learning into their schedules.

• Interactive, Animated Content
  To boost memory retention and keep staff engaged, our training uses animations that make complex sustainability concepts understandable and memorable. 
  
  
• CPD-Accredited & IOSH-Certified Courses
  iAM Sustainable offers professional development and certification that’s recognised across the education sector, helping staff build confidence and expertise to lead sustainability initiatives across your school. 
  
  
• Track Staff Progress
  Monitor who has completed the necessary training and track the overall progress of your school’s sustainability programme, ensuring everyone meets their environmental goals.
  
  

Enhance Your School Sustainability with iAM Compliant

With iAM Sustainable from iAM Compliant, schools and MATs can easily streamline sustainability practices by tracking energy efficiency, resource efficiency, reducing emissions and empowering staff and students through practical, engaging training. 

With over a decade of experience, we are dedicated to providing an innovative solution to environmental compliance that is cost-effective and user-friendly. 

Is your school ready to take real strides towards environmental responsibility? Contact us today for your FREE demo of iAM Sustainable and start your journey towards a sustainable future!