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Sustainability

Introduction from The Master

Dulwich College has been working for some years on its response to the challenges of climate change. We are committed to delivering a credible, coherent and, above all, long term sustainable plan that will reduce our carbon footprint through action in every area of the College. We are determined that our plans must be earthed and deliverable and must result in genuine carbon savings, i.e. taking carbon out of the environment rather than simply transferring it elsewhere.

From our independent ESG Impact Audit Governors have approved a Sustainability Action Plan that sets measurable targets and detailed actions to be taken to reduce our CO2 emissions.

We are committed to credible, lasting environmental change in every area of activity and behaviour, but do not underestimate the extent and scale of the challenge; the individual targets are set to realistic and appropriately challenging timescales to achieve carbon neutrality and are based on definitive action and measured deliverables. The work of the last six years has been bearing fruit and is progressing at an accelerating pace towards these goals.

We take our responsibility to our entire community and future generations seriously by engaging everyone and all efforts in pursuit of these essential goals.

Please revisit this page – we will be updating it regularly.

Dr Joe Spence
The Master

14 October 2021

Aims

  • Net zero, for both embodied and operational carbon, to be achieved for all capital building projects;
  • Renewable energy supplies to replace gas heating;
  • All carbon expenditure to be measured, tracked and reported and deliver progressive savings delivered over time to reduce our carbon footprint to the lowest possible level;
  • Certifiable carbon offsetting to be explored, following Gold Standard for Global Goals, when all practical measures within our control have been taken;
  • Pupils and staff to be educated and engaged in the issues of climate change and in the need for behavioural change.

Measuring Progress: SDG Framework

Barry Building, Front Lawns and geese

Developed by the United Nations, 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework for peace and prosperity in consideration of the environment. We have identified six of the SDGs to work towards and provide a framework to drive improvements.

  • SDG 3 Good Health
    We promote a positive approach to physical and mental health and wellbeing through the daily activities of the College and strong pastoral, sports and wellbeing teams. Deep and attentive pastoral care is core to all aspects of life at the College. We ensure that we have relevant and up to date policies that protect our staff and students.
  • SDG 4 Quality Education
    We provide a holistic education for all our pupils and look to encourage intellectual curiosity. We appreciate there are many children who do not have access to the education our students receive. We look to provide support where it is needed and requested, where and when we can.
  • SDG 10 Reduced Inequality
    We take a holistic approach to community-based activities based on consultation with our partners. We engage in a broad range of partnerships that support raising aspirations in our own and partner schools, appreciating that we have much to learn from each other. A strong sense of social mission underpins all that we do and we are committed to an admissions programme that enables access to the College for children of all backgrounds.
  • SDG 12 Responsible Consumption
    Our current priorities are to substantially reduce waste generation and to establish a procurement programme focused on goals for sustainable supply chains. The aim is to achieve an economy where there is limited waste, and where the products of today become the raw materials of tomorrow.
  • SDG 13 Climate Action
    We are conscious that the emissions from our activities contribute to climate change. We recognise our responsibility to significantly reduce our energy consumption, to use renewable and low carbon energy wherever possible and to work towards verifiable net zero targets.
  • SDG 15 Life on Land
    We are committed to taking action to reduce the loss of natural habitats and improve biodiversity. We have a planting programme for trees and bee-attracting plants, developing a natural landscape that will encourage and support wildlife of all kinds. We are pursuing natural, organic approaches to the maintenance of the grounds and sports pitches.

38 Actions since 2015

Updated: 12 July 2022

Discover More

Please read our reports that set out the College’s statement of aims, intentions and actions and our environmental credentials

How to contact us

If you have any feedback about our Sustainability strategy, please contact us at enquiries@dulwich.org.uk.