Decarbonisation in Schools: Understanding Scopes 1, 2 & 3
Schools play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future. By understanding and addressing carbon emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3, schools can take meaningful steps toward decarbonisation, in line with government targets and initiatives like the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy.
The concept of Scopes 1, 2, and 3 comes from the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, an internationally recognised framework for managing emissions. This framework helps schools, as well as businesses and governments, classify and reduce emissions effectively.
Scope 1 - Direct Emissions from School Operations
Scope 1 refers to emissions from sources that the school owns or directly controls.
Examples:
Gas boilers and heating systems burning fossil fuels.
School-owned vehicles, such as minibuses.
On-site fuel combustion for cooking or maintenance.
Refrigerant leaks from air conditioning units.
Reduction Strategies:
Replace gas boilers with electric heat pumps.
Transition to electric or hybrid school minibuses.
Improve insulation and energy efficiency in school buildings.
Scope 2 - Indirect Emissions from Purchased Energy
Scope 2 emissions arise from the generation of electricity, heating, and cooling that the school purchases.
Examples:
Electricity used for lighting, IT equipment, and classroom technology.
District heating systems supplying schools with external energy.
Reduction Strategies:
Switch to renewable energy sources, such as solar power.
Install on-site solar panels to generate clean energy.
Use energy-efficient LED lighting and smart meters to monitor consumption.
Scope 3 - Indirect Emissions from the School’s Supply Chain and Activities
Scope 3 covers emissions that occur outside direct school control but are linked to school operations.
Examples:
Staff and student commuting (cars, buses, public transport).
School meals, including food production and packaging.
Procurement of goods and services (e.g. stationery, furniture, and IT equipment).
Waste generation and disposal (e.g. food waste and recycling).
School trips, events, and extracurricular activities requiring travel.
Reduction Strategies:
Promote active travel (walking, cycling) and public transport for students and staff.
Reduce food waste and source sustainable catering options.
Implement sustainable procurement policies for school supplies.
Encourage digital learning to reduce paper use.
Run recycling and waste reduction initiatives within the school community.
Water Management Strategies
As schools aim to become more sustainable, managing water use effectively is key to reducing their environmental impact.
Here are some strategies schools can adopt:
Install Water-Efficient Fixtures
Replace standard taps and toilets with water-saving alternatives like low-flow taps and dual-flush toilets to reduce water consumption.
Promote Water Conservation Awareness
Educate students and staff on the importance of saving water. Incorporate water-saving habits into the school culture through campaigns and signage.
Implement Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Collect and store rainwater for non-drinking uses like irrigation, reducing dependency on mains water.
Adopt Efficient Landscaping Practices
Use drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation systems, like drip irrigation, to reduce water use for maintaining school grounds.
Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategies
Effective waste management is crucial for reducing a school’s carbon footprint.
Here are some practical strategies to support sustainable waste practices:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Encourage a ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ approach by minimising single-use plastics, reusing items like scrap paper, and setting up recycling bins around the school.
Implement Paperless Practices
Shift towards digital resources for communication and learning, reducing paper use and lowering energy consumption.
Organise Waste Audits
Regularly audit waste streams to identify areas for improvement, helping to divert waste for recycling or composting.
Promote Reusable Items
Encourage reusable items like water bottles, lunch boxes, and bags, with incentives for those making sustainable choices.
Monitor and Reduce Food Waste
Work with the school kitchen to monitor food waste, reduce portion sizes, and offer composting systems for organic waste.
Use Sustainable and Recyclable Materials
Opt for recyclable and sustainable materials for stationery, cleaning products, and school events.
Educate and Engage the School Community
Involve students, staff, and parents in the school’s waste reduction efforts through campaigns and workshops.
Responsible Disposal of E-Waste
Set up an e-waste recycling programme to safely dispose of outdated ICT equipment and reduce landfill waste.
ICT Strategies
To further reduce the school’s environmental impact, implementing greener ICT practices is essential.
Here are some steps schools can take:
Invest in Energy-Efficient Devices
Choose energy-efficient ICT equipment with certifications like Energy Star or the EU Energy Label to reduce energy use.
Embrace Cloud-Based Services
Shift to cloud-based services for file storage and collaboration, reducing the need for physical servers and lowering emissions.
Promote Virtual Learning and Meetings
Encourage the use of online platforms for learning and meetings to reduce travel-related carbon emissions.
Maintain and Upgrade ICT Equipment
Maintain ICT equipment to ensure it runs efficiently and extend its lifespan, reducing the need for replacements.
Utilise Power Management Settings
Set ICT equipment to energy-saving modes and encourage staff and students to turn off devices when not in use.
Recycle E-Waste Responsibly
Set up a programme for the safe recycling of outdated ICT devices to prevent harmful waste in landfills.
Reduce Paper Use with Digital Resources
Promote digital textbooks, online assignments, and electronic communications to minimise paper waste.
Educate and Involve the School Community
Raise awareness of sustainable ICT practices among students and staff, integrating digital sustainability lessons into the curriculum.
By adopting these strategies, schools can make a significant contribution to reducing their carbon footprint while fostering a culture of sustainability that benefits both the school community and the wider environment.