Sustainability

COMMUNITY AND OUTREACH

Sustainability

The College continues to make strides in our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our planet. 50 trees have been planted across the site to create an Orchard next to the Ecology Pond and Junior School Woodland Classroom. Over the summer our Estates Team will plant 150 lavender plants near the Junior School, as well as maintaining additional wildflower areas around the site. We have seen a significant amount of biodiversity in and around our ecology ponds, the newts being one of our favourites!

The Sustainability Committee has been working closely with local company RAFT (Retrofit Action for Tomorrow) to identify priority areas for carbon reduction. RAFT have completed a feasibility study of the school Refectory, which details plans for a complete refurbishment to reduce heat loss by up to 80% and increase dining space by 350sqm. This is an exciting project for the future, on a listed building, will provide much needed dining space as well as contribute towards our ambitious carbon zero targets. The College continues to work with our catering provider, Holroyd Howe, to ensure that we are reducing food waste where possible. In addition to this, it is very pleasing to see the increased number of students and staff opting for the plant-based offering at lunchtime each day. In May 2022 we celebrated Sustainability Week, to coincide with Earth Day. Throughout the week students took part in an exciting programme of events, ranging from student led assemblies, to pop-up sustainable taster bars. We invited external speakers into College to discuss the impact our diet has on our carbon footprint. Students learnt about a range of sustainable ‘future foods’ and took part in form-time activities, discussing why it is essential we get involved and why we should take action to influence others on their opinions about climate change. The passion, determination and creativity displayed by all pupils was remarkable to see. The College continues to work towards a new Green Flag application, this is a revised scheme that recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces across the UK. We look forward to sharing more news on this with parents and carers early in Michaelmas term.