Sustainability brochure

Sustainability

Ibstock’s Commitment to Sustainability

Our Goal

Our Vision

Our Approach Our holistic approach integrates sustainability into every facet of our school. By embracing sustainability we are safeguarding the planet and nurturing a sense of responsibility and stewardship among our pupils.

Our vision is built on the premise that sustainability is not merely an abstract concept but a guiding principle which needs to become deeply ingrained in our school culture.

Our goal is to empower our pupils to be proactive, engaged and compassionate citizens in an ever-changing world.

Connecting Children with Nature

The Froebelian Influence

Our commitment to sustainability is deeply rooted in the educational philosophy of Friedrich Froebel, a pioneer in education. Froebel's ideas have not only shaped our approach to teaching but have also provided the philosophical underpinning for our sustainability principles.

Just as Froebel envisioned the Kindergarten as a place of growth and discovery, we see our school as a nurturing ground for sustainable values.Through connecting with nature, pupils become attuned to the needs of the planet and equipped to address the pressing challenges of our time. Nurturing Sustainable Values

Culture: Fostering Sustainability Awareness

The Eco Society: Champions of Change

We recognise that solving the complex challenges of sustainability requires innovative thinking and creative problem solving. Our pupils are encouraged to approach environmental issues with curiosity and to seek novel solutions, just as Froebel envisaged children exploring, discovering and inventing through play.

Our Eco Society serves as a dynamic hub of sustainability initiatives and critical thinking.

Sponsored litter pick events, including expeditions to Alton

Estate, Palewell Park and Richmond Park, exemplify a commitment to hands-on environmental action. Additionally, the Eco Society ignites creativity and eco-consciousness through activities such as the sustainability themed photography competition and Ibstock Clothes Swap event. More than just fashion, the Clothes Swap was a statement to challenge ‘fast fashion’ and showed pupils how they can still have stylish clothes whilst reusing and repurposing clothing in order to reduce waste.

Educational Initiatives: Ocean Significance

At Ibstock, we not only teach about sustainability but also immerse our pupils in practical experiences that allow them to participate actively in responsible environmental practices. This hands-on approach enables pupils to internalise the values of stewardship and carry them into their future endeavours.

Each year, our school commemorates World Ocean Day. This includes: Bespoke Geography lessons on the

importance of oceans so as to imbue pupils with a strong sense of responsibility and inspire sustainable practices. A presentation of our sustainably sourced fish options emphasising the importance of responsible fishing practices and promoting the consumption of seafood harvested in an environmentally friendly manner. A Prep School Art Showcase encouraging pupils to illustrate their understanding of the ocean’s vital role, capturing the beauty of the sea and its diverse inhabitants.

Embedded Sustainability Education

Sustainability is integrated into our Tutor Time curriculum. Regular updates, discussions and assignments keep our pupils informed about pressing environmental issues, climate change and sustainability-related tasks. Our aim is to cultivate essential skills that empower our pupils to take meaningful steps toward a more eco-conscious future.

Many of the biggest companies in engineering, tech, business and finance are now creating roles with the focus of sustainability at the forefront.

It can only benefit pupils’ future careers to learn and understand more about sustainable practice.

Transport: Encouraging Sustainable Travel

Our commitment to sustainable transport is a multifaceted initiative that has a positive impact on our local environment and community.

Encouraging Cycling

Our provision of 281 bike spaces goes beyond just encouraging sustainable transport; it reflects our commitment to the wellbeing of our school community. Cycling not only reduces carbon emissions but also promotes physical fitness and mental wellbeing.

This not only reduces traffic congestion but also fosters a culture of health and sustainability within our school. It's about creating a supportive environment where individuals can make choices that benefit both themselves and the planet. By offering ample bike storage, we make it convenient for both pupils and staff to choose an eco-friendly mode of commuting.

Shuttle Bus Service

At the heart of our sustainable travel commitment is our pro bono Senior School minibus shuttle service, facilitating travel to and from Barnes Railway Station. Strategically positioned to connect with multiple nearby stations, it effectively reduces emissions associated with individual commutes. By doing so, we contribute to the improvement of air quality in our immediate surroundings, promoting a healthier and more sustainable living environment for all. It's not merely a convenience; it's a conscientious choice that underscores our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a culture of responsibility.

Transforming the School Run: HomeRun App

We’ve partnered with the HomeRun App to encourage sustainable travel for parents and staff. The App reduces the number of car journeys and associated CO2 emissions on the school run, helping towards Net Zero goals. It connects parents and staff to greener travel options, including active travel and carsharing. The App also provides anonymised journey information that we can use to promote new environmentally sustainable travel initiatives and it supports us in developing our travel plans. One initiative was the "School Run Fun" competition which promoted greener transport options, reducing carbon emissions linked to the daily school commute.

Catering: Sustainable Dining Practices

Veg Fest Fridays

To promote sustainable diets among our pupils, we've introduced "Veg Fest Fridays" every three weeks, offering exclusively vegetarian options. We are considering making this a weekly event to encourage mindful eating and reduce our carbon footprint. While we do provide meat options, our emphasis is on vegetarian and vegan choices, recognised for their lower environmental impact. For each Veg Fest Friday we we are able to save between 60 -100 kilograms of meat.

Our Beekeeping Programme

Our school proudly maintains a beekeeping programme, producing honey while supporting local ecosystems through pollination. Our bees play a vital role in sustaining our school garden and the surrounding area. Enjoying honey produced in our habitat has potential health benefits, including relief from hay fever and balancing of hormones. We currently have three hives with around 10,000 bees in each, and we are looking to add another colony soon.

Staff Lunch Boxes

Our commitment to sustainability extends to staff takeaway meals, where we provide reusable containers to eliminate single use waste in the lunch hall. Staff are given their own personal container that they can bring to lunch daily.

Locally Grown and Responsibly Sourced

We emphasise sustainability in our ingredient sourcing. We have our own vegetable patch for soups and stews. Furthermore, we also use our Elder trees for elderflower pressé. From our harvest in spring 2023, our catering department made 28 litres of elderflower cordial. When we can’t get ingredients from our own site, we prioritise British local suppliers who adhere to sustainable agricultural practices, including organic and regenerative farming.

PSHE and Tutorial Days

Sustainability education is woven into our PSHE and Tutorial Days. Workshops on cooking vegetarian and vegan meals, as well as educational sessions on the nutritional value of plant-based diets, empower our pupils to make informed, sustainable dietary choices. Sustainability is also included in our PSHE curriculum, with Senior 7s studying a six-week module on Environmentalism.

Embracing Seasonal Menus

With the change of seasons we embrace seasonal menus, replacing the salad bar with sustainable options such as soups and root vegetables. This shift reduces carbon emissions associated with transporting out-of-season produce.

Estates: Reducing our Environmental Impact

Paperless Transition: Embracing Digital Learning

Our ongoing transition to a paperless environment is a tangible manifestation of our dedication to sustainability. We have provided digital devices to our pupils with the aim of reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional educational materials. This initiative extends beyond merely reducing printing; it minimises the use of books and worksheets, ultimately conserving resources and reducing waste. Digital learning will also prepare our pupils for a future where technology plays a vital role in solving global challenges.

LED Lighting: A Brighter, Greener Future

We have made the transition to full LED lighting, changing over 1,800 lights to LED ones. LED lighting is renowned for its energy efficiency, emitting substantially fewer greenhouse gases compared to conventional lighting methods. To put this into perspective, a single LED bulb provides the same luminosity as an incandescent bulb while emitting 80% less greenhouse gas. This energy efficient lighting not only reduces our carbon footprint but also aligns perfectly with our mission to conserve resources and promote sustainability. It illuminates our path towards a more eco-conscious and responsible future.

Borehole Drilling: SustainableWater Source

We have now undertaken work to drill a borehole on our Cooper’s Campus. Accessing sustainable underground water sources will reduce our reliance on traditional water sources and address the issue of water conservation. Moreover, underground water typically has lower sodium content, contributing to improved water quality. We shall endeavour to collect four 20,000L holding tanks, around 80,000L of which can be stored. This initiative will not only secure a vital resource for the future but it will also safeguard our access to clean, healthy water for our pupils.

Waste Reduction and Recycling: MinimisingWaste

Composting and the use of food disposal machines significantly reduce food waste, diminishing the volume of waste sent to landfills. In a single day, anywhere from 400 -550 kilos of food waste goes through our signature disposal system. Additionally, we are actively working on implementing a new bin system complete with clear and instructive signage. This systemwill encourage proper waste segregation, instilling responsible waste management practices in our school community. It's not just about reducing waste; it's about creating a culture of environmental stewardship.

Tree Planting: Carbon Offset and Ecosystem Support

Our commitment to planting 400 sapling trees from theWoodland Trust reflects our dedication to carbon offsetting and local ecosystem support. Trees are not only powerful carbon sinks but also vital contributors to biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Electric Vehicle: Eco-Friendly Transport

The replacement of our conventional petrol driven tractor with an electric vehicle signifies our proactive stance on eco-friendly transportation. This change dramatically reduces emissions associated with our operations. Our minibuses are also Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) compliant. ULEZ has led to a reduction of around 800,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from vehicles across London. We shall seek to electrify our entire fleet.

Solar Panels: Harnessing Renewable Energy

We are currently exploring solar panel installation. Solar panels represent a significant investment in renewable energy sources, thus reducing our carbon footprint. In addition to environmental benefits, this transition has the potential to lower energy costs and reduce our dependence on non renewable sources.