At Hubert Ogunde Memorial School, we are committed to environmental sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. As a forward-thinking institution, we are adopting global best practices to tackle carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and contribute to combating climate change. This policy reflects our responsibility to foster environmental stewardship among staff, students, and the wider community.
Our international partnerships and environmental commitments ensure we prepare our school for a greener future. Through proactive policies like our Carbon-Free Summer Initiative, we are taking measurable steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions while inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices.
Policy Aims
This policy sets out our approach to:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all school operations.
- Promoting energy efficiency in our facilities, transportation, and procurement.
- Educating pupils and staff on sustainability and climate action.
- Monitoring and reporting our carbon footprint to ensure accountability and transparency.
Scope
This policy applies to:
- School facilities, including buildings, lighting, and energy systems.
- Transportation, including school buses, staff vehicles, and external service providers.
- Procurement of goods and services.
- Waste management, including recycling and resource use.
Key Commitments
Reducing Carbon Emissions
- Transition to energy-efficient systems across classrooms, offices, and facilities.
- Prioritise renewable energy sources such as solar panels for power generation.
- Minimise fossil fuel usage by phasing out inefficient equipment and introducing low-carbon alternatives.
Sustainable Transportation
- Encourage the use of low-emission or electric vehicles for school transportation.
- Promote walking, cycling, or carpooling for students and staff to reduce emissions.
- Adopt initiatives like the Carbon-Free Summer, where school buses are rested during off-peak periods.
Green Procurement
- Source eco-friendly and sustainable materials for learning, construction, and maintenance.
- Work with suppliers who align with our sustainability goals and provide low-carbon products.
Education and Awareness
- Integrate sustainability and climate education into the curriculum, empowering pupils to become environmental champions.
- Conduct workshops, campaigns, and activities to raise awareness about carbon emissions and climate action.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Measure and report annual carbon emissions using recognised methodologies.
- Set realistic, time-bound targets to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
- Share progress transparently with stakeholders, including parents, partners, and the local community.
Use Case: Carbon-Free Summer Initiative
During Bridges School 2024, Hubert Ogunde Memorial School implemented a successful Carbon-Free Summer Initiative. By resting school buses during the summer term, the initiative achieved the following:
- Reduction in Carbon Emissions: By temporarily halting bus operations, we reduced our emissions from fuel consumption by over 30% compared to previous summers.
- Positive Environmental Impact: The initiative directly contributed to cleaner air quality in the surrounding community, aligning with local and international sustainability goals.
- Education and Engagement: Pupils learned about the importance of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and explored alternative, greener forms of transportation.
This initiative demonstrated that small, actionable steps can have a measurable impact on the environment. The success of the Carbon-Free Summer serves as a model for future sustainability programmes.
Implementation and Accountability
The school leadership team will oversee the implementation of this policy. Responsibilities include:
- Assigning a Sustainability Officer to coordinate initiatives and measure impact.
- Collaborating with staff, pupils, and external partners to support the school’s sustainability goals.
- Reviewing the policy annually to ensure it remains current and aligned with international standards.
Conclusion
Hubert Ogunde Memorial School is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, fostering a culture of sustainability, and preparing for a greener future. Through innovative initiatives like the Carbon-Free Summer and long-term strategies, we aim to inspire our pupils, staff, and community to act as stewards of the environment.
For more details or to partner with us on sustainability initiatives, please contact:
admin@ogundememorialschool.com