10-Step Sustainable Practice Guide for Multi-Academy Trusts

By 2025, the Department of Education has stated “all education settings will have nominated a sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan”.

Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) have a unique opportunity to set benchmarks for the education sector while creating healthier, more environmentally friendly schools that empower a generation to take action.

This guide provides practical steps aligned with the UK Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy to help MATs drive meaningful change.

 
 

1.Improve Energy Efficiency

Reducing energy consumption lowers costs and carbon emissions, freeing up funds while supporting sustainability goals.

What MATs Can Do:

  • Upgrade to LED lighting - LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy and last significantly longer than traditional lighting.

  • Implement ‘smart’ building management systems - Automated systems ensure heating, cooling, lighting and power operate only when needed, and switching off saves money.

  • Conduct regular maintenance of equipment to avoid energy waste - From poor insulation to inefficient boilers to energy-guzzling IT equipment - regular audits and maintenance can help pinpoint problem areas.

  • Switch to renewable energy - Solar panels and the purchase of green energy tariffs are some of the renewable options available to MATs that can drastically cut carbon footprint and minimise environmental impact.

2.Reduce Waste and Increase Recycling

Waste management is crucial for sustainability and cost savings, ensuring resources are used efficiently. Getting everyone involved, from the Governors to the students, will ensure goals are met and create an environmental community working for the school and planet.

What MATs Can Do:

  • Introduce comprehensive recycling schemes - Provide clearly labeled bins for paper, plastics, and food waste in every classroom and dining area. From 31 March all MATs will have a legal responsibility to separate waste into the following:

○ Dry recyclable materials - plastic, metal, glass, paper and card

○ Food waste

○ Black bin waste (residual waste)

  • Promote reusables - Encourage staff and students to use refillable water bottles, lunch containers, and reusable cutlery. Where possible eliminate single-use plastic.

  • Develop a waste management strategy - Disposal of waste can be expensive, to save on cost establish partnerships with waste management services that enable schools to comply with the regulations, achieve cost savings, and drive sustainability.

  • Source materials responsibly - Purchase recycled paper, eco-friendly stationery, and books printed on sustainable paper.

For more information read: Adapting to New Food Waste Regulations

3.Improve Biodiversity

Green spaces promote biodiversity, improve student well-being, and enhance outdoor learning experiences.

What MATs Can Do:

  • Create school gardens - Engage students in growing vegetables, herbs, or native flowers. This can support lessons, supply produce and provide opportunities for composting.

  • Plant trees and plants - These provide habitats for wildlife and improve air quality. MATs could collaborate with organisations like The Woodland Trust for free tree-planting programs.

  • Install bird feeders and insect hotels - These simple projects encourage biodiversity and can engage students with wildlife.

  • Engage with the National Education Nature Park - The programme empowers children and young people to make a positive difference to their own and nature’s future.

 
 

4.Engage the Whole School Community

As we said earlier, sustainability must be a collective effort, with buy-in from students, teachers, parents, governors, and external stakeholders.

What MATs Can Do:

  • Educate students, teachers, parents, governors and stakeholders - Host workshops to educate all parties and to encourage energy-saving and green environmental practices at school and home.

  • Appoint student and staff eco-champions - Create committees where students lead projects such as recycling drives and ‘no-waste’ lunch days.

  • Run sustainability awareness campaigns - Participate in sustainability initiatives and hold themed weeks (e.g., Energy Saving Week) to educate the wider school community about sustainability practices.

5.Embed Climate Education in the Curriculum

Climate lessons and learning educate students and teaches them to take control of their own carbon footprint.

What MATs Can Do:

  • Integrate sustainability into existing subjects - Teach about energy conservation in science, sustainable businesses in economics, and climate history in geography.

  • Develop practical activities and workshops focused on sustainability and environmental protection - Encourage students to conduct carbon footprint analyses of their school or create sustainability action plans focusing on reduce, reuse, recycle.

  • Partner with environmental organisations - External sources enable schools to bring real-world climate issues to the classroom. (Links to inspiring organisations can be found in Step 10)

6.Choose Sustainable Suppliers

MATs have significant purchasing power and can influence supply chains towards sustainability. Adopting a green procurement strategy has multiple benefits.

What MATs Can Do:

  • Prioritise ESG-compliant suppliers - Work with partners who demonstrate strong environmental and ethical credentials.

  • Engage with local SME businesses - Reducing transport emissions by sourcing locally supports both sustainability and the regional economy.

  • Evaluate lifecycle costs - Opt for durable, repairable products rather than disposable alternatives.

 
 

7.Implement Green Procurement Policies

Every purchasing decision should align with MATs and government sustainability goals.

What MATs Can Do:

  • Develop a procurement policy that prioritises sustainability - Consider environmental impact when undertaking all purchases.

  • Include sustainable criteria in tenders - Ensure new suppliers meet minimum sustainability standards before contracts are awarded.

  • Adopt circular economy principles - Focus on reusable, repairable, or fully recyclable materials.

8.Adopt Ethical Spending Practices

Sustainability extends beyond environmental considerations to ethical and social impacts and school spending should consider safe and fair working conditions for all.

What MATs Can Do:

  • Ensure ethical supply chains - Ensure that procurement spending adheres to ethical standards, such as fair labour and safe working conditions.

  • Support suppliers with social initiatives - Where possible work with companies that reinvest in communities, education, or conservation projects, even better if local to your school.

9.Develop a Climate Action Plan

Strategic planning ensures long-term impact and measurable progress and procurement plays an important role in achieving environmental goals.

What MATs Can Do:

  • Create clear sustainability targets - Set measurable goals for energy reduction, waste minimisation, and carbon footprint reduction.

  • Appoint a sustainability lead - Have a dedicated staff member and student reps responsible for tracking and promoting eco-friendly initiatives.

  • Monitor and report progress - Share annual sustainability reports to highlight achievements and identify areas for improvement with all stakeholders.

10.Be Inspired by Others

Many education settings are sharing their journeys and they highlight the tools and resources already available.

What MATs Can Do:

  • Sign up to the Eco-Schools - Eco-Schools is a programme designed to be pupil-led. MATs can work towards the Green Flag Award - recognised worldwide, this certification showcases a school’s commitment to sustainability.

  • Visit the Sustainability, Leadership, and Climate Action Plans page on the Gov.UK Website - Find guidance and support on starting and improving your sustainable practices.

  • Explore resources available from environmental and sustainable experts - Organisations like the World Wildlife Fund, The Woodlands Trust, Transform Our World, Sustainability Support for Education and WRAP all have informative and inspiring resources that support MATs on their journey.

By adopting these 10 steps, MATs can set new benchmarks for sustainability in education, inspire students, and build a future-ready learning environment.

How Dukefield Procurement Can Help You Meet Your Environmental and Sustainability Goals.

Dukefield Procurement can help MATs access sustainable, ethical, and cost-effective supply chain solutions for schools. We support MATs by:

  • Identifying ESG-compliant suppliers that align with sustainability goals.

  • Supporting green procurement strategies to reduce waste and carbon footprints.

  • Ensuring ethical spending through rigorous supplier audits and fair trade practices.

With our expertise, MATs can meet sustainability targets and reduce costs.

Contact the team today:

Email claire.makin@dukefield.co.uk

Phone 01204 374 156

Sarah Dungar