our united approach
At ACS, we understand that the wellbeing of our planet and its biodiversity is intrinsically linked to the decisions and actions we undertake today.
With the escalating challenges of climate change manifesting through unprecedented extreme weather events worldwide and particularly impacting less developed regions, it has never been more critical to adopt a proactive approach to environmental stewardship.
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping future guardians of our Earth. At ACS, we are deeply committed to integrating sustainability into the heart of our teaching and learning processes. By fostering a culture that values understanding, awareness, and action, we aim to empower our students to lead the change towards a more sustainable and regenerative future.
Sustainability is at the forefront of our goals as an organisation. We believe that by embedding these principles based on our core values: aim high and make it happen; imagine better; work together and act with kindness to one another and our planet, we can inspire a ripple effect of positive change that extends beyond our school walls.
Partnerships
In a bold move towards shared environmental responsibility, we have assisted our network of partner schools in conducting comprehensive sustainability audits.
This collaborative initiative is designed to identify areas for improvement and to foster a regional network of schools that are united in their commitment to environmental stewardship.
By extending our expertise and resources beyond our own school, we aim to catalyse positive environmental changes on a larger scale. Together, we are empowered to implement sustainable solutions and amplify our impact, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.
Steps to Sustainability
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The appointment of a Sustainability Data Lead to capture data to inform relevant and impactful changes, and evolve our sustainability approach across ACS schools.
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We partner with sustainability experts 'Sustainable Advantage' to capture credible data from key stakeholders on all elements of sustainability. We use this data to plan towards meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) with the aim of all schools reaching net zero by 2030.
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We consume responsibly across our organisation from water and energy usage, to waste management and recycling. We offer plant-based, compostable or bio-ware recyclable lunch/water containers, water refill fountains and Smart Water bottles. Our community are encouraged to cycle or take a bus to school.
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We source from local suppliers and use seasonal produce where we can. We use Red Tractor meat, traceable back to the farm of source, MSC certified fish and free range eggs. All waste oil is collected and used as fuel and all food waste is sent for composting. All supplier packaging is returned and recycled.
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Sustainable stewardship of our outdoor environments for current and future generations is key to ACS. Outdoor learning within the grounds of our schools is embedded as part of the curriculum, making the most of the resources on our doorsteps. Our estates are replenished with annual tree-planting, and the wildlife that shares our spaces (deer, foxes, birds, badgers, hedgehogs) is nurtured and treasured.
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We encourage individual action to address climate concerns. A ‘Sustainability Ambassador' qualification will soon be offered as part of our pioneering badging programme, that will equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to be Global Champions.
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Students have engaged with the IDIOT (I Do One Thing) programme, alongside Surrey Wildlife Foundation. Many initiate their own personal projects developing future solutions to combat climate change issues.
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We work with influential sustainability partners such as the Eden Project to develop unique sustainability projects, both as individual schools and with other independent and partner schools.
