Most trusts and schools now have a climate action plan in place, which is a real achievement in a short space of time.
1. Cover all four pillars, not just two.
Most plans are strong on decarbonisation and climate education, and lighter on adaptation and biodiversity. Adding even a short, concrete section on climate risk (overheating, flooding and water) and on nature rounds the plan out and matches what the DfE looks for.
2. Put the effort where the carbon is.
. It is easy for a plan to fill up with visible actions like recycling and switch-off days, which are excellent for engagement. The biggest savings, though, come from heat, energy data and renewable electricity, so make sure those feature just as prominently.
3. Anchor targets to a baseline.
A net zero date or a reduction target means most when it is measured from a known starting point and reviewed as time passes. If interim dates have quietly slipped by, that is the moment to refresh them.
4. Give the plan an owner.
Plans succeed where a named sustainability lead has the authority and support to carry them forward, with a standing place on the leadership and governor agenda and a plan for continuity when staff change.
5. Connect the trust plan to each school.
For trusts, a single plan is perfectly valid, and it works even better when each school adds the site-specific detail a trust-wide plan cannot capture, particularly the route to decarbonising heat and each site's exposure to climate risk.
