Is your setting ready to meet the requirements of the government’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy? Helen Burge, Co-Chair of the UK Schools Sustainability Network (UKSSN), shares key takeaways from the first ever Greener Schools Index (GSI) report to help you prepare.

Building a sustainable school culture

Every education setting in the UK will need a Sustainability Lead and a Climate Action Plan by the end of 2025. But where do you start? By completing the Greener Schools Index (GSI), schools and colleges get the tools to reflect and track progress, set goals, and make a difference – no matter their starting point (see more at www.greenerschoolsindex.co.uk). 

How the Greener Schools Index came to be 

The intention with the GSI was to create something that was going to be able to support schools and colleges to engage with the DfE's Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, particularly the Climate Action Plan element. 

About 18 months ago, I was speaking to school leaders and realised they weren’t aware of the DfE strategy; they hadn’t appointed a Sustainability Lead, and they hadn’t created a Climate Action Plan. And, after talking with colleagues at Zenergi, we found that they had identified the same issue. 

We had lots of different ideas about how we could help schools and colleges meet the requirements, but, importantly, we wanted Sustainability Leads to be able to benchmark and see how they were doing against other schools and colleges, but for it not to feel too competitive. We wanted to create an opportunity to celebrate what they’ve done already within their setting. And so, the GSI concept was born. 

What is the GSI? 

The GSI is an exciting free tool that Zenergi, an ASCL preferred supplier, and the UKSSN Ops Group developed in partnership, aimed at helping schools and colleges move closer to their sustainability goals and achieve net zero. 

It includes a survey with questions on energy use, waste management, recycling, climate action and more, helping leaders understand where they’re excelling and where they can improve. Termly reports will provide insight into how schools and colleges compare with others, creating an opportunity to learn and stay motivated. 

Essentially, it’s to give schools and colleges a starting point and a way to track their current progress, identify areas for improvement to focus on within their Climate Action Plans and build momentum towards their goals. 

The first report has already given us a lot to reflect on, providing a valuable snapshot of where the sector stands right now, but also what challenges and opportunities lie ahead. 

A shared responsibility 

One of the most striking findings was the range of people engaged with sustainability across education settings. Teachers, headteachers, school business managers and even directors of ethos were among those providing insights. 

Taking that first step and using the GSI to initiate a conversation with a colleague or a leader is how we move forward. You don’t have to be a Sustainability Lead to make a difference. Ultimately, it’s a shared task that requires buy-in from the whole school community. 

Trends and insights 

The report also revealed interesting insights about what schools and colleges are already doing well and where there is room for improvement. For instance, 74% reported that they are already tracking their energy usage. That’s promising, but why are more than a quarter not? Is it down to a lack of data access, not having time for analysis, or needing supplier support? 

Recycling programmes 

Another finding that stood out was that only 56% of settings have recycling programmes in place. Given the prominence of recycling in discussions about sustainability, it’s surprising that so many schools and colleges are missing out on this essential piece of the puzzle. Simple, cost-effective changes, like setting up recycling bins and educating staff and students could make a world of difference to improve waste management streams. 

Leadership engagement 

The report also pointed to a gap in leadership engagement, with 24% not prioritising climate action. This is where the importance of the GSI comes in. It’s not just about gathering data – it’s about raising awareness and encouraging schools and colleges to act or start a conversation about sustainability with their leadership teams and stakeholders, giving the topic the attention it truly deserves. 

A lack of capacity 

Another concern was that 65% of schools and colleges said they don’t have enough time to dedicate to sustainability initiatives. 

This is understandable because of the pressures on resources and workload. Sustainability most definitely shouldn’t feel like an additional burden, but it does need to be embedded in your setting’s culture and woven into the fabric of everything you do. Whether that’s your core values, curriculum development, operational practices, or the ways in which students and staff interact with the environment. 

Dedication of staff 

A major takeaway from the survey was the incredible passion of staff already making sustainability a priority. It’s clear that the GSI is already serving as a valuable conversation starter, giving staff a way to demonstrate why sustainability matters and how schools and colleges can start making meaningful changes. 

Why schools and colleges should consider the GSI 

The report not only shows schools and colleges where they are now, but, importantly, where they need to go. I hope that the GSI will be a tool that inspires schools and colleges to take action, regardless of where they are in their sustainability journey. The results from this first report show that there is a strong desire for change. By participating in the survey, schools and colleges can start to build a Climate Action Plan, prioritise impactful actions, track progress, and lead the way in sustainability. 

The ripple effect of this index is really exciting. Schools and colleges aren’t just improving themselves, they’re creating a movement within the education sector. 

So, whether you’re a leader or teacher, if you have an interest in making your setting more sustainable, I encourage you to complete the GSI. It’s not just about compliance with regulations; it’s about doing the right thing for your students, your staff, and the planet. 

FIND OUT MORE 

See more about the Greener Schools Index (GSI) here: zenergi.info/GSI2025

Helen Burge
Co-Chair of the UK Schools Sustainability Network (UKSSN) Ops Group
Email: helen.burge@buoyantimpact.co.uk

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