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King's Sustainability Strategy

Two years ago the Headmaster asked if we could form a working group to look at issues relating to sustainability at King's. Response was quite overwhelming from both teaching and non-teaching staff, and subsequently in September 2008 the King's Sustainability Strategy was founded.

The working group is divided into themes, each being organised by a volunteer member of staff and supported by a number of pupils and non-teaching staff. The themes are Food and Drink; Energy, Buildings and Water; Transport; Waste and Recycling; Biodiversity and Education.

Energy

A General Energy Assessment was commissioned and conducted by Environmental Management Consultants. They highlighted areas where energy and consumption savings can be made to reduce our carbon footprint. Various options in energy purchase are now being explored, and our maintenance department is looking at improving existing insulation and building efficiency. There is a major project to replace the roof over the swimming pool ,and the parties involved are investigating the possible use of solar energy to heat the pool water. OWL energy monitors have been positioned to provide electricity consumption figures in key areas every minute of the day. An energy awareness campaign was launched at a school assembly, encouraging students to switch off electrical appliances and lights when not required, with reminder stickers on all light switches.

Waste and Recycling

A paper collection scheme already operated in the school, but it was agreed to increase awareness by investing in dedicated recycling bins. These have been made locally from sustainable wood sources and were in place in all classrooms and offices in the Summer term. We already have separate collections for different waste materials that give a financial return, and there are on-going discussions with our waste contractor for further initiatives.

Education

One of the key criteria for KSS is to concentrate on getting every year group involved in the initiative. The 3rd form have taken part in two workshops; the Carbon Challenge Roadshow run by the Science Museum of London, and the Somerset Waste Partnership Education Group on recycling issues and solutions. A new system was introduced this year for all 3rd formers to attend an Environmental Awareness Day. Pupils in the 4th form attended a lecture by Malcolm Moss from The Solar Trust entitled 'No Oil No Cars - Help from the Sun'. The theme for this year's 6th form Science Weekend was 'Climate Change and Sustainability'. Lectures and workshops were given by keynote speakers from Exeter University and Marks and Spencer.

The first phase of the exciting TREC (The Renewable Energy Cabin) project was completed this year. The eco-friendly wooden cabin was built and insulated by students. It contains demonstrations of energy saving devices such as solar light tubes, insulation, and low-power electrical lighting and computers, and energy generation such as Photovoltaic, solar heating and wind power. Many pupils from local primary schools and their teachers have been excited by hands-on sessions showing them how to save energy in their homes and schools. The next phase involves research leading to recommendations and action for 'green' energy use on our own site.

Transport

An audit is planned to assess the ways in which we use transport, including the school run, staff travel, and trips during the school day. The 6th form have been involved in a consultation to devise a format for collating this information.

Food and Drink

Pupils planned an Anti-food Waste Campaign, and co-ordinated a food waste weigh-in for food left on plates from meals in the dining room, to demonstrate the needless waste of resources and finances. This is an ongoing exercise and information will be published on a dedicated monitor in the dining area. The catering department has also encouraged all of us to 'Take what you Eat and Eat What You Take'. They are committed to sourcing natural low-processed foods, and purchase locally grown vegetables and locally reared meat where possible. The Chaplain and his volunteer pupils have built raised beds to start growing vegetables, and we have recently set up a good home for some ex-battery chickens.

Biodiversity

We are fortunate to have large spacious grounds on the edge of a busy vibrant town, but our environment is under increasing pressure from many threats, some known, some less predictable. Biodiversity is a key curriculum topic and where possible, examples from King's should be used in our teaching. We have conducted a detailed habitat survey based on the JNCC Phase I Habitat Survey methodology. This gives a biodiversity value to all areas of the school. Most of our grounds are of low value, and we have started on our Biodiversity Action Plan to improve on this.

This has included a number of schemes; creating an area of GRANK - an area where the grass is allowed to grow longer to encourage a wider variety of animals and plants; placing 40 bird boxes for blue tits, robins, house sparrows and woodpeckers; creating an insect winter refuge; planting up horse chestnut seedlings to give to pupils; planting hedges and a mixed woodland copse with the CCF for their centenary, and identifying moth species.

We have also taken on the responsibility for surveying the 2km square around King's for the BTO Atlasing Project - a national research project for the British Trust for Ornithology. We will also be monitoring badger activity as part of the planning conditions for our new astro pitches. Much has been done - and there is much to do!

For further information about King's Sustainability Strategy please contact Mrs Julia Griffiths.

Tel: 01823 328135

email: jagriffiths@kings-taunton.co.uk