Climate & Sustainability

Vision Statement

HEART Academies Trust is dedicated to supporting the UK education sector in its transition to Net Zero emissions,the enhancement of biodiversity, and the development of evidence-based curricula for Climate Change Education.

HEART aims to lead by example, actively engaging and influencing local, regional, and national sustainability initiatives.

Central to the Trust vision is taking a collaborative approach—partnering with experts to learn, act and advocate for measures that reduce our carbon footprint and minimize environmental harm.

Governance and Leadership

Sustainability is a core leadership priority at HEART. The Trust has:

Agreed the National Governance Association Greener Governance Pledge and established a Trustee and Governor sub-committee dedicated to sustainability and climate action. Greener Governance | National Governance Association
Published our Sustainability and Social Value Policy to embed environmental responsibility into strategic decision-making.
Published our Climate Action Plan.
Appointed a Sustainability Leader as part of the HEART Executive team.
Appointed sustainability leads across all schools and functional areas to ensure climate action is integrated throughout the organization.

Green Careers

Preparing students for the green economy is a key focus:

The Bedford Academy Careers Team leads initiatives to raise awareness of green career opportunities.
Annual Green Careers Week highlights sustainability-focused professions and in-demand skills.
New Green Careers Day, in partnership with Planet Mark, connects students with real-world green career pathways. Planet Mark | Sustainability Certification

Finance, Operations and Estates

“…the most effective way to engage learners with sustainability is to adopt a whole-school approach. This enables pupils to live as well as learn sustainability at school. Schools that choose this approach connect what pupils gain through the curriculum with their school’s practice in its canteens, corridors and outdoor areas.”
Empowering learners for a sustainable future
Professor Daniella Tilbury, 2024, European Union

This area encompasses HEART’s operational practices to improve our environmental impact.

Data and Measurement

Tracking and analysing environmental data helps schools set realistic goals, monitor progress, and make informed decisions to reduce their carbon footprint.

Planet Mark: Measures the carbon footprint of schools, including the carbon footprint of goods and services purchased by Trust schools.
Energy Sparks: Tracks energy usage to identify areas for improvement. Energy Sparks
Shayp: Track water usage for early identification of leaks Improve Water Efficiency in Buildings – Shayp – Home
PaperCut: Track paper and printing Print Management that just works | PaperCut

Energy Management

Reducing demand for energy, eliminating energy waste, and transitioning to renewable energy sources significantly lowers a school’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Purchase of 100% renewable electricity through the DfE energy framework.
Barker Associates: Conduct condition surveys and help with capital grant applications to support a ‘fabric-first’ approach to energy demand management. Barker Associates – Integrated Property Consultants
BAM FM and Powell Systems: Invest in digital technologies for plant and equipment, including new Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS). Education | BAM

Procurement

The procurement of goods and services makes up the majority of a schools carbon footprint. Sustainable purchasing choices—like eco-friendly supplies and low-carbon products that promote circular-economy principles—reduce environmental impact and support responsible supply chains.

Value Match: Embed sustainability and social value into the Trust procurement processes. Value Match | Purpose led procurement solutions delivered with integrity
HEART has worked with Value Match to develop shared services and support sustainable procurement across the education sector.
Transition to working only with suppliers who are aligned with HEART’s environmental mission (for example, Total Clothing for school uniform). Total Clothing

Catering

Offering plant-based meals and sourcing local, seasonal food can cut emissions from food production and transport while promoting healthy eating.

Allmanhall[1] and Proveg: Help reduce the carbon footprint of school meals. allmanhall – food procurement experts Home – ProVeg UK
Generation Juice: Works to eliminate single-use plastics in drinks. Home – Generation Juice
Future Foundation CANTeam: Promote healthy, sustainable eating in the community. CanTeam – Let’s eat & thrive together – Future Foundations
Olio: Redistributes surplus fresh food to reduce waste and support local families. Olio – Your Local Sharing App

ICT and Digital Sustainability

Integrating sustainable ICT practices—like energy-efficient devices, cloud-based systems, and digital learning—reduces electronic waste and carbon emissions while enhancing climate education and collaboration.

Proactive AV, Pure IT[2], and Stone Technologies: Provide energy-efficient classroom equipment and refurbished devices that support the circular economy. Audio Visual solutions provider for Education,Business & Public Sector. Buy Refurbished Computers and Laptops | Pure IT Refurbished IT Support for Schools, Public Sector & Private Sector | Converge UK

Waste Management

Reducing, reusing, and recycling waste helps minimize landfill use, lower emissions, and teach students the value of resource conservation.

Biffa: Enhance waste tracking and data collection. Waste Management – Affordable & Reliable Services – Biffa
Riddan composterat Bedford Academy and Shackleton primary schoolto convert food waste to compost. Eco food waste recycling – Ridan Food Waste Composters
Children’s Air Ambulance clothing banks to donate unwanted clothes. Charity Clothes Collection | Donate Clothes
All schools monitor and aim to reduce paper usage annually.

Food waste audits help identify and implement reduction strategies.

A Trust-wide initiative is underway to eliminate single-use plastics.

Nature and Biodiversity

Protecting and enhancing green spaces supports local ecosystems, improves air quality, promoted positive mental health, and provides hands-on outdoor learning opportunities for children and young people.

PECT: Supports planning and investment in biodiversity at each school. PECT – Home Page
Active participation in the National Education Nature Park to connect students with nature and promote ecological stewardship. Home | Education Nature Park

Sector Leadership and Advocacy

When all schools work together and share best practices, they amplify their impact and inspire broader community and policy change.

HEART is a national leader in sustainability within the education sector:

The Chief Finance and Sustainability Officer (CFSO) serves as:
- Chair of the UK Schools Sustainability Network (UKSSN) UKSSN Operations Group
- Member of the Department for Education Sustainability Group
- Advisor Board member to:
  - CAPE Alliance
  - Learning through Landscapes Climate 180 Project Apply for Climate School 180 | Learning through Landscapes
  - SOS-UK Nature Friendly Grounds Project Students Organising for Sustainability UK | SOS-UK
Regional Conferences: In partnership with the Science Hub, HEART has hosted ‘Sustainability in Education’ events across Bedfordshire, Essex, and Suffolk. Sustainability in Education Conference Beds Tickets, Wed, Feb 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite
Pilot new programmes: In 2024/25 ‘Our Schools, Our World Bedfordshire’ supported 14 primary school s in developing and implementing Climate Action Plans. Our Schools, Our World- Bedfordshire Sustainability and Environmental Education Programme
Sector Influence: Through UKSSN, HEART has helped organizations like ISBL, ASCL, and CST strengthen their climate action strategies. ISBL Professional Standards — ISBL ASCL – ASCL Sustainability Conference 2025
Thought Leadership: The CFSO regularly speaks at major events including the Schools and Academies Show, MAT Strategy Forum, and regional eco-networks.

Join us on our journey to Net Zero. Discover how we’re creating greener schools, and how you can be part of the change.