Sector Analysis
Sustainability Made Simple
A Practical Guide for School Business Managers
Schools across the UK are under increasing pressure to become more sustainable. Rising energy costs, growing awareness of climate change, and government net zero targets mean that sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s an essential part of responsible school management.
In fact, there is now a legal requirement in the UK for schools to report their carbon output if they receive funding over certain thresholds. This makes tracking and reducing emissions not just good practice, but a compliance necessity.
The Rise of Sustainability in Schools
Parents, students, and communities are looking to schools to lead by example. By cutting energy waste, reducing emissions, and embedding sustainability in their operations, schools can:
- Reduce operating costs – Lower energy use means lower bills.
- Improve student engagement – Sustainability projects are great teaching opportunities.
- Meet compliance requirements – Net zero targets and carbon reporting requirements are becoming a regulatory focus.
- Enhance reputation – A visible commitment to sustainability builds trust with parents and stakeholders.
The Power of a Carbon Plan
One of the most effective steps a school can take is creating a carbon reduction plan. This is a practical roadmap that shows where emissions come from (heating, lighting, travel, procurement) and sets clear actions for reducing them.
Benefits include:
- Clarity on where to start – No more guesswork about which changes will have the biggest impact.
- Funding opportunities – Many grants require a carbon plan before they will approve funding.
- Strategic decision-making – You can prioritise investments based on measurable outcomes.
- Progress tracking – Regular reporting helps you stay accountable and celebrate wins.
- Compliance made easy – Your reporting obligations are met automatically when you track through your plan.
How Notch Supports Schools
At Notch, we make it simple for schools to create and implement a carbon plan without needing in-house sustainability expertise. Our platform helps you:
- Measure emissions accurately using school-specific data.
- Generate a tailored carbon reduction plan aligned with your budget and resources.
- Identify quick wins that save money immediately, such as energy efficiency upgrades.
- Report progress to governors, local authorities, and parents with clear, professional dashboards.
This means school business managers can deliver on sustainability goals while saving time and reducing costs — and stay fully compliant with UK reporting requirements.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re a school business manager looking to cut costs, meet sustainability targets, and make a real difference, a carbon plan is the best place to start.
Make your business Net Zero
When it comes to tackling climate change, your business has a big part to play. Notch can help you start your journey towards Net Zero.
Make your business Net Zero
