Education Business Live: Speaker Insight

Dave Smith, Director of Procurement and Trust-wide Projects at Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust, will be addressing the topic of sustainability at next week's Education Business Live Conference & Exhibition. In this interview, Dave shares his insights on the crucial role collaboration plays in driving environmental initiatives within the education sector

The DfE's Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy requires schools to write a climate action plan this year. Can you give an idea of what this should include and do you have any advice for getting started?

A climate action plan should include goals for reducing carbon emissions, strategies for energy efficiency, waste reduction, and promoting sustainability education. Start by assessing current practices, setting achievable targets, and involving the whole school community.

Having a climate leader is crucial for driving sustainability initiatives, ensuring accountability, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. They can coordinate efforts, track progress, and inspire others across schools and within a MAT.

How important is collaboration when it comes to sustainability in the education sector?

Collaboration is vital for sustainability in education. Schools can partner with local businesses, environmental organisations, and other schools and across their trust to share resources and ideas. For example, joint recycling programmes or community garden projects can enhance learning and impact.  

At Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust, we have a number of initiatives that demonstrate the importance of collaboration. Our Trust Aspirations focus on listening to pupils, parents and staff and uses their feedback to further improve our impact.

There is a Trust environment and sustainability vision which focuses on aspects such as energy usage awareness, the introduction of LED lighting in Trust schools, resource and waste management and the consideration of electric vehicle charging, through a co-ordinated approach involving schools and the Trust's procurement and estates' teams.  

Schools have also embraced sustainable travel by signing-up to Modeshift Stars. A number of schools have Forest schools, and have signed-up to the National Education Nature Park. There has also been curriculum alignment through the use of resources such as Oddizzi to teach geography.

How can pupils be involved in a school's sustainability plans - and how can it feed into the curriculum?

Pupils can be involved through eco-clubs, sustainability projects, and integrating environmental topics into the curriculum. This hands-on approach fosters environmental stewardship and critical thinking skills.  

What free / low cost measures are there to making a school more sustainable and energy efficient?

Free or low-cost measures include energy-saving practices like turning off lights and electronics (especially IT) when not in use, starting a recycling programme, and creating a school garden. These actions promote sustainability and reduce costs.

About Dave Smith

Dave has over 35 years of experience in education. As Director of Procurement and Trust-wide Projects at Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust, he oversees the procurement strategy, supports IT strategy and monitors operations, and provides leadership in governance and GDPR. Previously, as Head of Partnerships and Events at BESA, he coordinated event programmes and facilitated partnerships.  Dave has also worked as a teacher and senior leader.

Dave will be chairing the panel discussion on whether current net zero targets in schools are working at Education Business Live Conference & Exhibition on 19 March. Register for free here.