London: The Girls’ Day School Trust launches a comprehensive action plan aimed at tackling climate challenges, enhancing sustainability education, and promoting eco-friendly behaviours across its 25 schools, aligning with the UK’s net zero carbon emission goal by 2050.
The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), a prominent group of independent schools, is advancing its sustainability initiatives with a comprehensive action plan aimed at empowering young women to confront climate challenges. This initiative aligns with GDST’s sustainability goals and the UK’s target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Since achieving carbon neutrality in 2021, the GDST has marked its 150th anniversary by launching the ‘One’ strategy in 2022, encapsulated by the message, “One World, One Future, One Chance.” This strategy reinforces their commitment to sustainability while addressing the key tenets of the Department for Education’s sustainability and climate change strategy. The action plan is structured around three core commitments: educating and empowering students and staff, promoting sustainable behaviours, and maintaining carbon neutrality.
A cornerstone of the GDST’s approach is the integration of climate change education into the curriculum. Anu Sabherwal, head of sustainability and infrastructure at GDST, emphasises the importance of preparing students to be informed leaders in climate action. The GDST energy programme is designed for teachers and pupils to utilise scientific inquiry methods to analyse energy usage, which informs behavioural initiatives aimed at reducing consumption.
Last year, GDST schools participated in a sustainability event at University College London, allowing students to engage with sustainability professionals. This was part of their broader efforts to embed sustainability education in curricular and extracurricular activities. For instance, Sarah Sharp from UCL led a session on evaluating school sustainability as part of GDST’s training offerings.
In addition to education, the trust promotes sustainable behaviours through collaborations among sustainability lead teachers and eco-committees across its 25 schools. Schools such as Portsmouth High School have been recognised for their sustainability efforts, receiving the EduCCate Global Bronze Award and renewing their Eco-Schools Green Flag Award. Innovative projects, such as the repurposing of plastic waste into plant pots at Brighton Girls’ and Blackheath High School, exemplify the hands-on approach to sustainability.
Other schools are advancing eco-friendly initiatives as well. Kensington Prep School’s eco-warriors are working towards plastic-free accreditation, which involves engaging with local businesses about their packaging practices. Meanwhile, Royal High School Bath and Howell’s School, Llandaff, are enhancing local biodiversity through sustainable beekeeping and creating ecological corridors.
GDST’s commitment also extends to improving its infrastructure to aid decarbonisation efforts. The trust is implementing extensive energy-efficiency upgrades and sourcing renewable energy. Northwood College, for example, has achieved a notable reduction in electricity costs by harnessing self-generated solar energy. Future projects, including the newly opened junior school building at Notting Hill & Ealing, incorporate sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies, achieving 40% greater energy efficiency compared to its predecessor.
Additionally, ongoing maintenance projects at historical buildings such as Royal High School Bath and Howell’s School focus on restoring architectural integrity while enhancing energy performance.
The GDST is in the early stages of its journey towards a net zero carbon future, with a clear vision of embedding sustainability into the fabric of school life and operations. Through a concerted effort that involves staff, students, and communities, the GDST is committed to tracking carbon reduction and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship within its schools.
Source: Noah Wire Services
