You may have heard of ‘green schools’ before - but what actually are they and why do they matter?

The answer is simple: the education sector is not just an apparatus to teach the next generation about the importance of sustainability - it’s also a driving force for implementing these necessary changes itself.

Sustainability was a key theme at the October 2024 Education Estates event attended by Novatia consultants and will continue to dominate conversations in 2025.

From energy efficient heating and lighting to using digital tools to educate students about climate change, there are many ways school leaders can transform their educational environments into green schools. 

Read on to discover how technology can support sustainable education in the modern age.

The importance of sustainability in education 

Due to their size and operational costs, it’s no surprise that many schools have a huge carbon footprint.

In fact, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) estimates that schools use around 13 terawatts of electricity and generate nearly 5 million tonnes of carbon per year. An average secondary school produces between 200 and 300 tonnes of carbon per year and a primary school between 20 and 50 tonnes.

The UK Department for Education's (DfE) Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy is designed to ensure that all children and young people have access to high-quality education on sustainability and climate change.

To do this, they have set out the following goals:

  • Achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
  • Increasing awareness of the impacts of people's behaviour on climate change.
  • Encouraging schools to meet their energy needs through renewable technologies or low-carbon alternatives.
  • Reducing the environmental impact of school travel through greener modes of transport, such as walking and cycling.

To keep in line with sustainability guidelines, educational institutions must incorporate an environmentally-conscious approach to all elements of school life.

How technology can help schools go green

While some people may view technology as antithetical to the cause for a greener world, a clever ICT strategy can actually help improve a school or MAT’s environmental initiatives.

Here are the many ways in which technology can support sustainable education:

Energy-efficient features

Use of ICT can help increase energy efficiency within school environments, helping school leaders save money while reducing negative impacts on the planet.

Examples include:

  • Monitoring energy use - smart tech can provide real-time data on electricity consumption, helping schools identify patterns and make appropriate changes.
  • Smart lighting - installing sensors and timers on lights ensure they operate only when necessary, while transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting can reduce lighting energy consumption by more than 80%.
  • Modern hardware - up-to-date ICT equipment, such as energy-efficient computers, monitors, and servers, consume significantly less power compared to older hardware. 

In fact, DfE’s “Let’s Go Zero” initiative aims to eliminate inefficient buildings and outdated technology, which currently results in schools spending approximately £630 million annually on energy expenses. 

ICT audits can identify factors that prevent schools from achieving zero carbon status by 2030 and issue guidance on forming a more sustainable ICT strategy. This could include identifying outdated/inefficient devices that can be responsibly recycled or upgraded, minimising electronic waste, as well as assessing power usage across devices and systems. An audit can pinpoint high-energy equipment, leading to the adoption of energy-efficient alternatives and reducing the overall carbon footprint of your school or MAT. An ICT in education consultancy like Novatia will offer an independent assessment of your technical, operational, and educational ICT systems, followed by targeted recommendations in the form of a comprehensive ICT Strategy. 

Waste reduction measures

It’s estimated that each school pupil generates between 20 and 45kg of waste every academic year. This means a minimum of 180 million kg of waste could be created by school pupils across the UK annually.

Paper waste accounts for a substantial proportion of these figures - the average school can get through 360,000 sheets of paper in an academic year. To decrease these numbers, schools must reevaluate their digital approach to ensure resources are used more effectively.

Modern ICT enables digital documentation, reducing the need for printers, copiers, and the energy they consume. Virtual tools like e-books, online assignments, and interactive whiteboards minimised dependence on printed materials - reducing paper usage by one ton annually can save around 24 mature trees.

While it’s unquestionable that electronic waste also poses significant threats to the environment, there are many ways schools and MATs can prevent this. From e-waste recycling programs to investing in durable, futureproof devices, the options are limitless when it comes to ensuring your school meets sustainability guidelines. Consulting with ICT in education specialists can help determine a suitable strategy for your school or trust. 

Green curriculum integration

Climate change is a topic that many young minds are already actively engaged with, making it an essential addition to the curriculum. In fact, a recent survey conducted as part of a partnership between the University of Plymouth and the British Science Association's Future Forum found that 72% of the students questioned said they would welcome the opportunity for broader lessons about climate change in school. 

Through the use of new technologies, students can interact with sustainability like never before.

Digital tools like educational apps, VR, and AR create immersive experiences that make learning about environmental issues engaging. For example, students can use AR to explore ecosystems of their local habitats or witness the effects of climate change firsthand through VR simulations. Linking gamification techniques to topics like climate change, sustainability, and recycling can also be useful - introducing progress tracking and rewards can make learning about the environment more compelling.

Data-driven decision making 

Through the power of modern technology, it’s easier to track how much energy schools and MATs are consuming and come up with ways to reduce it.

Digital analytics tools, enabled by AI, can monitor factors across schools, including:

  • Energy and water use
  • Waste management
  • Overall carbon footprint 

The data derived from these analytics can then be used to help develop sustainable energy strategies.

Remote learning

Remote learning can be beneficial for the environment in many ways:

  • Lower energy use in buildings - with fewer students in physical classrooms, schools use less electricity, heating, and cooling.
  • Reduced emissions caused by transport - staying at home has a direct impact on the reduction of carbon emissions from vehicles like cars and buses.

Many studies around the world have highlighted the sustainable benefits of remote learning; a study by the University of West Georgia found that online learning helped to cut CO2 emissions by 5-10 tons per semester for every hundred students, while the Open University Design Innovation Group (DIG) found that online training consumes nearly 90% less energy than in-class training programmes.

It’s worth noting to enable remote learning successfully, you need to have the tech basics sorted out first. From reliable cloud-based computing software that enables accessibility regardless of physical location to quality online learning resources, a modern ICT strategy will allow students to learn anywhere with ease. 

Here at Novatia, we have extensive experience helping schools integrate sustainability into their ICT approach. Whether you need assistance with building greener ICT infrastructure or procuring energy-efficient hardware, we’re on hand to help.

To discover more about our services, please get in touch today.


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