Climate change is reshaping the way schools plan for the future, and education has a clear role in the UK’s path to net zero. By September 2025, every school is expected to have both a climate action plan and a designated sustainability lead in place. With this deadline falling at the end of the year, schools now have a pressing reason to prepare. Meeting the requirement will help reduce environmental impact while also creating stronger foundations for resilience, financial stability and stronger connections with the community.
What is a School Sustainability Lead
A school sustainability lead is the person, or sometimes a small team, responsible for steering a school’s environmental strategy. Their role is about weaving sustainability into daily operations, the curriculum and wider decision-making. The Department for Education has made this position a requirement for all education settings by 2025, placing it at the centre of its climate strategy.
In practice, the sustainability lead drives the climate action plan and ensures progress is visible. They oversee data collection and reporting while also bringing staff, students and governors together around shared goals. Through this joined-up approach, sustainability becomes part of the school’s culture and stays aligned with national expectations.
Key Responsibilities of a School Sustainability Lead
The sustainability lead gives shape and direction to a school’s climate action plan, turning it from a document into a set of practical steps. Their responsibilities cover a wide range of areas, including:
- Developing and overseeing the climate action plan so that the school has a clear roadmap for reducing its environmental impact.
- Monitoring energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and progress toward targets to make sure improvements are measurable and credible.
- Engaging staff, students and governors in sustainability initiatives, encouraging participation across the whole school community.
- Liaising with external partners and staying up to date with DfE sustainability guidance, ensuring the school’s actions reflect current expectations.
- Embedding sustainability into curriculum and daily operations so that it becomes part of both learning and everyday practice.
Together, these responsibilities allow the sustainability lead to keep the school’s efforts focused, coordinated and aligned with national goals.
Skills and Attributes of an Effective School Sustainability Lead
A sustainability lead succeeds when they can bring people together around a shared vision. That requires strong leadership, clear communication and well-organised planning to maintain momentum across the community. The role also depends on the ability to inspire staff, students and governors while coordinating projects with confidence.
Knowledge is equally important. A solid grasp of climate change, energy use and government expectations ensures decisions are credible and aligned with national priorities. Familiarity with reporting frameworks and the Department for Education’s sustainability strategy helps schools meet obligations effectively. Data literacy is vital too, enabling sustainability leads to track progress, evaluate results and make informed decisions that improve how schools operate.
How Schools Can Appoint and Support a Sustainability Lead
For schools to get the most from this role, it is important to appoint the right person and provide them with the support needed to succeed. Key steps include:
1. Identify the right candidate
Many schools choose an existing staff member with an interest in sustainability, while others consider external expertise.
2. Create a clear role description
Set out responsibilities, allocate time within the school timetable, and provide access to resources.
3. Offer training and networks
Professional development, peer learning opportunities, and links to sustainability networks can strengthen confidence and skills.
4. Provide effective tools
Platforms such as ClearVUE.Zero support the role by simplifying energy monitoring, data collection and reporting.
5. Ensure leadership backing
Governors and senior leaders should give the sustainability lead visible support, reinforcing that the role is a priority.
Monitoring and Reporting in Schools
Once a sustainability lead is in place, progress must be measured and shared to keep initiatives credible. Accurate data on energy use and emissions allows schools to track improvements, identify areas for change and demonstrate impact to governors, parents and external bodies. Regular reporting also supports compliance and strengthens funding applications. Digital platforms such as ClearVUE.Zero can assist by providing clear dashboards and timely insights, giving sustainability leads the evidence needed to refine strategies and show steady progress toward climate targets.
Taking the Next Step Toward Sustainability in Schools
As the 2025 deadline draws closer, the role of a sustainability lead is essential for every UK school. With the right person in place, climate action plans can shift from words on a page to meaningful progress. A dedicated lead can turn efficiency measures into lasting change, build trust with the community and demonstrate real commitment to national climate goals. Success depends on providing the tools, training and leadership backing needed to thrive. Schools that act now will be ready for compliance and positioned for a stronger, more sustainable future.
