Funded by the DfE, Climate Ambassadors match volunteer climate experts with education settings.
Part of Let’s Go Zero, Climate Action Advisors are independent experts who offer free support for schools, colleges, and nurseries across England.
About
The DfE requires all education settings to develop a climate action plan. Your plan should detail the practical steps of your setting will take action across the four DfE climate pillars:
- Adaptation and resilience
- Biodiversity and nature
- Climate education and green skills
- Decarbonisation and net zero
If you already have a suitable plan, you do not need to start over - build on it to take a more holistic approach.
Most settings develop a one-year plan, although two- to three-year plans may be more appropriate. MATs and larger groups may choose to develop a central sustainability strategy instead.
Your plan should be a live document, regularly reviewed by your sustainability lead or working group.
You can measure progress using simple RAG ratings, SMART targets, or by tracking your carbon footprint metrics.
Learn how to calculate your setting’s carbon footprint.
Why
A climate action plan turns your sustainability ambitions into manageable steps. It helps you prioritise activities, assign responsibilities, allocate resources and monitor progress.
Sharing your plan with your community can help you celebrate your achievements and build shared responsibility.
How
While your sustainability lead coordinates the plan, work with senior leaders, governors or trustees and colleagues across teaching, estates, catering and operations.
Learners, parents, carers and your wider community can also contribute.
Involving those responsible for delivering actions helps build ownership and makes sure your plan stays realistic and well-supported.
Resources
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