For the sustainability-conscious, schools are among the most important places to implement sustainability initiatives. Commercial sectors can focus on optimising their waste management services in an efficient and effective way. Meanwhile, education has the additional role of guiding the next generation towards embracing sustainability and real school recycling.
Whether through government guidance, ESG programs or curriculum updates, schools are incorporating sustainability into the educational environment in several ways.
Government recycling guidance.
Much of the UK’s guidance surrounding sustainability and waste management comes from government guidance. This applies to everyone, not just schools. Businesses and households both have specific requirements that their waste management needs to meet. Schools are required to follow many of the same rules, but it’s down to the school how exactly they choose to tackle it.
In addition, the Department of Education has stated that schools are included in the UK’s mission to achieve net zero by 2050.
These requirements have led schools to incorporate sustainable actions at varying rates. Those who have embraced sustainability have also seen the benefits it brings to the school. Not just by making it look tidier and cleaner, and by saving money behind the scenes, but also by having a positive impact on students’ waste management behaviour.
Many businesses are sceptical of the changes, as they may be unable to meet these additional requirements due to their small-scale operations and the added hassle. In reality, investing sustainably now will prepare the next generation to uphold environmental standards.
Sustainable education
When it comes to informing students, we found that Geography and PSHCE classes focused most on sustainability. Outside of building behaviours, the student clearly had a good understanding of its importance. Education surrounding sustainability has evolved past students making a green school project out of items they might’ve thrown away. They knew that being taught about sustainability helps future generations protect the planet for years to come. These classes also educated students on how real sustainability will improve the overall quality of life for people worldwide. Building on this would encourage students to use the skills they develop in school and transfer them to life outside school. The student pointed out that some students don’t act in the most sustainable ways when out of school or at home. This creates an educational opportunity in which students build on their in-school habits and use them to be a better influence in encouraging waste reduction outside school.
Don’t waste a sustainable curriculum.
Given how important sustainability is across a wide range of areas in modern life, it’s clear why the government has encouraged schools to incorporate it into their curriculum.
Science.
Foundation-level classes lay the foundation for understanding why the natural environment is important. Then, through Primary and Secondary school, pupils will further build on this knowledge. This can cover a wide range of areas, from energy consumption and recycling to fossil fuels and their environmental impact, helping students understand principles such as the circular economy.
Schools usually assess students’ knowledge of sustainability and recycling with a test at the end of the unit. However, if you’re interested in encouraging students to develop their practical recycling skills, then build upon the sustainability unit. These projects could include documenting the waste they dispose of in daily life for a short period and discussing their impact based on the information tracked.
Geography.
It makes sense for a subject focused on Earth and how its ecosystems work to have a strong focus on sustainability. In Geography, sustainability is embraced across areas such as the UK’s weather, the causes of climate change and waste management.
For most students, these topics will all be vital to their GCSEs at the end of secondary school. Revision for these exams will help drive home the importance of sustainability, leaving a lasting impact on students in the future.
This leads to more conscious decision-making in their daily life, accounting for the environment in their actions.
Taking voluntary action.
Status symbol.
While the curriculum and broader government guidance serve as push factors prompting schools to take sustainable action, there are also pull factors that lead schools to change their tune.
Sustainability claims can help to encourage people towards different businesses and organisations. In the same way, highlighting your school’s commitment to sustainability, or even achieving net-zero status, can be an influential factor in encouraging students and families to enrol. This can then become a central part of how you’re perceived, providing a basis for running future sustainability campaigns.
Student-led.
Across the country, we’ve seen sustainable projects spearheaded by students passionate about the planet, wanting to have a positive impact on the Earth’s future. Extra-curricular sustainability clubs and societies are often founded to highlight new opportunities within the school to change aspects to become more sustainable. Not only do they have a positive impact through sustainable action, but they can also be great teaching tools to inform more people about.
So much to do. Where should you start?
With schools taking on more mandatory sustainability actions, there is already a strong foundation to build on. While you may not consider your school an eco-focused environment, that doesn’t mean you haven’t already made a positive impact. By contacting Agecko we can help you to navigate the tricky world of sustainability and use a wide range of our waste management techniques to bring you closer to net-zero. Start your journey with a free school waste audit from the experts at Agecko. By getting a better understanding of how you currently handle waste, we can effectively plan for your future and help you hit key sustainability targets.
Get in touch with our team for more info.
