Creating Value In Schools
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Zenergi, in collaboration with the UK Schools Sustainability Network (UKSSN), have produced the first Greener Schools Index Report.
The Greener Schools Index is a free tool schools, trusts and educational settings can use to measure, track and plan their environmental efforts.
The Greener Schools Index Report shares findings from the first 34 settings to use the index. It indicates a willingness for schools to get on the sustainability journey – with lots of potential for further impact.
The Greener Schools Index is a free tool, produced by Zenergi in collaboration with the UKSSN operations group. It’s an online survey which helps settings to:
To take part, schools complete a sustainability survey which covers 17 areas, including:
The report findings are drawn from the first 34 educational organisations to complete the survey. Nearly half of those are trusts; others a mixture of different types of schools, including special schools.
| Highlights and successes | Areas for further action |
| 62% of respondents have a designated person or team for sustainability. | 24% have a climate action plan in place. Schools with clear plans tend to make steadier progress and can demonstrate their commitment to governors, parents and pupils. |
| 74% of respondents are tracking their energy usage. | 33% of schools have energy reduction targets. Setting clear, achievable goals can give sustainability efforts direction and purpose – and help track financial savings. |
| 47% of settings are tracking water usage. | 24% are taking steps to minimise water reduction. Measures like rainwater harvesting could deliver both environmental benefits and cost savings on water bills. |
| 62% of settings have implemented energy-efficient technologies. | 12% provide electric vehicle charging points. |
The report highlights some of the barriers settings face. For example:
The report shares tips from St. Bart’s Multi-Academy Trust (top performer in the index) and HEART Academies Trust. For example:
