Greener Governance campaign | National Governance Association

How does progress happen?

Driving change in this area requires a whole school or trust approach. This includes developing a Climate Action Plan with sustainability leads implementing and monitoring its progress.

Climate Action Plans

The DfE describe a Climate Action Plan as "a detailed plan to enable your school or trust to progress or commence sustainability initiatives".

A holistic plan typically includes the four key areas below.

Decarbonisation

Reducing emissions from energy use, buildings, transport and procurement to support net zero goals.

Adaptation and resilience

Preparing for climate impacts such as heatwaves, flooding and extreme weather events.

Biodiversity & nature

Enhancing green spaces and protecting wildlife across school grounds and local environments.

Climate education & green careers

Embedding climate learning and developing skills for future green and sustainable careers.

Sustainability leadership

Schools and trusts that drive the greatest change have a holistic action plan, supported by a sustainability leadership team with the authority, knowledge, and commitment to take it forward. While each setting can decide its own team structure, best practice shows change is most effective when led by a diverse, passionate group - including governors and trustees.

Guidance

Environmental sustainability: a whole school approach

This guide is designed to help governing boards understand the role of schools/trusts in improving environmental sustainability, learn from inspiring case studies, and how to lead positive change.

Read the guide

Who's taking action?

In our Annual Governance Survey 2025 61% of respondents said their school or trust had taken practical action on environmental sustainability following board discussions.

The most common action schools and trusts are taking include:

embedding environmental sustainability into the curriculum/learning
provided opportunities for outdoor learning e.g. forest school, visits or trips
energy saving measures and solar panels
reduced waste e.g. recycling, composting

school-environment pupils running on field

Where next?

Line of people talking holding a meeting

E-learning

Environmental sustainability: the governance role

Training

Environmentally sustainable schools

Man talking over the notes from the meeting

Webinar

Greener Governance: a whole school approach

DfE resources

DfE Resource Hub – Dedicated portal bringing together sustainability support for schools and trusts.
National Education Nature Park – Initiative giving children and young people the opportunity to map, monitor and enhance spaces for nature.
Climate Ambassadors – Free DfE-funded scheme matching environmental sustainability experts with schools to develop Climate Action Plans and provide wider support.
Climate Action Planning Template – Free guidance and templates to help schools create effective Climate Action Plans.

Other resources

Let's Go Zero – National campaign supporting schools to set zero carbon targets and develop practical delivery roadmaps.
UK Schools Sustainability Network (UKSSN) – Regional networks connecting school staff and students across the UK. Also explore the UKSSN Ops Group for school business professionals and governors.
Choice Voting – Platform for managing secure, paperless governor and trustee elections.
Energy Sparks – Online energy analysis and education tool helping schools reduce their carbon footprint while teaching energy-saving and sustainability skills.
SchooliP Audit Tool – Free online audit tool helping governing boards embed environmental sustainability into strategic leadership and support Climate Action Plans.