Education is responsible for approximately 36% of the UK public sector’s building emissions. In response to this environmental and financial challenge, the Department for Education's (DfE) Climate Action Plan has set a clear expectation: By the end of 2025, all education settings in England must appoint a sustainability lead and publish a Climate Action Plan (CAP). This applies across the board, including early years settings, schools, multi-academy trusts, colleges and universities.
Although this isn’t a statutory duty in law, the expectation is firm. The Department’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy leaves no room for delays, and all education providers are expected to show demonstrable progress by the end of 2025. Reduced emissions go hand in hand with energy efficiency and in the current economic climate, that may provide a medium-term easing of pressure on overstretched budgets
What a Climate Action Plan Should Include
To align with the Department for Education’s expectations, an educational organisation’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) should address four themes:
Decarbonisation
Measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This may include:
- Conducting energy audits to understand current consumption to develop a fully compliant Climate Action Plan (CAP).
- Improving energy efficiency through insulation, lighting and behavioural changes.
- Transitioning to low-carbon heating systems and renewable energy sources.
- Implement on-site renewable generation such as solar and wind.
Climate adaptation and resilience
Climate change is already affecting schools through overheating in classrooms, flood risks and increasingly extreme weather. A CAP should:
- Identify key risks across the estate.
- Include plans to implement practical changes like shading, ventilation or drainage improvements.
- Ensure business continuity and safety in the face of disruption.
Biodiversity and the natural environment
School grounds offer a huge opportunity for nature-based solutions. CAPs should include:
- Plans to create or restore green spaces to support local wildlife.
- Plans to increase biodiversity through efforts such as habitat boxes and maintaining plants and ponds.
Climate education and green careers
Schools should embed sustainability into their curriculum and culture by:
- Integrating climate literacy across subjects and year groups.
- Offering practical activities and projects tied to sustainability.
- Training staff to confidently teach environmental topics.
- Preparing students for future green careers through exposure to skills and sectors in demand.
Support for schools preparing to meet the DfE’s expectations
Navigating climate action planning can feel overwhelming, especially for schools already stretched with operational pressures and teaching demands.
As one of the UK’s leading Net Zero advisory firms, McGrady Clarke partners with schools to turn climate goals into clear targets and achievable actions. Whether you’re a small primary school or a large multi-academy trust, our team can help you:
- Calculate your carbon footprint.
- Create a cost-effective Climate Action Plan, identifying opportunities to generate a return on investment in energy savings.
- Identify quick wins and long-term decarbonisation projects.
- Access available funding and support mechanisms.
As your sustainability business partner, we combine technical expertise with strategic insight to help you meet the Department for Education’s expectations and beyond.
Get in touch today to start building a plan that delivers real impact for your school.
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