Oundle School awarded iiE Green Accreditation for commitment to sustainability
Oundle School has been awarded Green Accreditation by the national environmental accreditation scheme, Investors in the Environment (iiE), in recognition of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.
This prestigious accolade highlights the School’s success in significantly improving its sustainability performance through resource efficiency, biodiversity initiatives and a strengthened environmental management system.
Oundle’s journey towards a more sustainable future has been both challenging and rewarding, particularly given the context of a large school community located on an extensive site with numerous historic and listed buildings. However, under the leadership of its dedicated Sustainability Team and with the collective efforts of staff and pupils, the School has introduced a range of impactful initiatives. By working closely with iiE, Oundle has adopted a structured approach, set clear goals and implemented targeted actions to embed sustainable practices. These include improved food waste management, sustainable procurement practices and active communication strategies. The School’s commitment to pupil engagement, especially through its Green Team, was noted as a particular strength in the report, inspiring numerous environmental projects that exceed the number required for Green Level status.
Looking ahead, Oundle remains focused on enhancing its sustainability efforts. A key priority is refining its data collection methods to support the development of a comprehensive Net Zero roadmap. This includes utilizing newly installed energy meters for more accurate data and conducting a staff travel survey to inform its Travel Plan.
“This achievement highlights our commitment to embedding sustainability in all areas of school life,” said Paul Batterbury, a member of the team coordinating the initiative. “From waste reduction and energy conservation to biodiversity projects, everyone in our community - staff, pupils and leadership - has played a role in making this happen."
Sarah Kerr-Dineen, Head of Oundle School, added, "We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, and the strong framework and clear expectations now in place will enable us to continue our work on sustainability and to push towards Net Zero."