Sustainability at the Moorland Federation

The Moorland Federation is committed to building a sustainable future for our children, communities and environment.

As a family of eight rural schools across West Somerset and Exmoor, we recognise our responsibility to care for the landscapes that surround us while preparing pupils for a changing world.

Our Sustainability Strategy provides a clear pathway towards Net Zero carbon operations by 2030, while strengthening climate resilience, enhancing biodiversity and embedding sustainability across education, estates and community life.

Sustainability is not an add-on. It is integrated into how we lead, teach and care for our schools.

Rooted in our Federation vision of Growing Together, Learning for Life, our approach ensures sustainability supports wellbeing, belonging and opportunity for every child.

Our Sustainability Vision

Creating greener, healthier and more resilient schools

Our vision is to create school environments where children develop:

• Respect for the natural world
• An understanding of environmental responsibility
• The knowledge and skills to live sustainably
• Confidence to contribute to a changing climate future

By embedding sustainability across governance, curriculum, estates and community partnerships, we are creating schools that are environmentally responsible and resilient for future generations.

Why Sustainability Matters

Climate change presents real challenges for schools.

Across the education sector there are growing pressures linked to:

• Rising energy costs
• Dependence on oil heating in rural buildings
• Inefficient heating and lighting systems
• Limited monitoring of energy usage
• Increased expectations around environmental responsibility

Without action, these pressures create operational, financial and reputational risks.

Our Sustainability Strategy provides a structured pathway that helps reduce exposure to:

• Escalating energy prices
• Future compliance requirements
• Inefficient school buildings
• Environmental impact across our estates

Taking action now allows us to improve efficiency, manage costs and create healthier learning environments.

Environmental Responsibility

Our schools sit within the unique landscape of Exmoor and rural West Somerset, making environmental stewardship especially important.

Through our strategy we are working to:

• Reduce carbon emissions from school buildings
• Improve heating efficiency across our estates
• Reduce energy consumption
• Increase biodiversity across school grounds
• Promote sustainable behaviours within our communities

Small changes across multiple areas can create meaningful long-term impact.

Sustainable Estates and Operations

Sustainability is embedded in how we manage our buildings and resources.

We are working to improve efficiency through:

• Energy monitoring and management systems
• Improved heating and lighting efficiency
• Estates planning aligned to carbon reduction
• Sustainable procurement practices

By improving efficiency across our estate we can reduce environmental impact while ensuring buildings remain comfortable and fit for learning.

Learning for a Sustainable Future

Climate and sustainability education are an important part of preparing pupils for the future.

Across our schools, sustainability is embedded within learning through:

• Science and geography curriculum themes
• Environmental and climate awareness learning
• Outdoor education opportunities
• Pupil leadership initiatives such as eco teams

These experiences help pupils understand the role they can play in protecting the world around them.

Supporting Wellbeing and Belonging

Sustainability is closely linked to wellbeing.

Healthy buildings, green spaces and outdoor learning environments support:

• Physical health and comfort
• Mental wellbeing
• Connection to nature
• Positive school experiences

Our approach ensures environmental improvements also support thriving school communities.

Measuring Our Progress

We track sustainability progress across the Federation through:

• Energy usage monitoring
• Carbon emissions tracking
• Biodiversity improvements across school sites
• Participation in environmental initiatives
• Financial savings through efficiency improvements

Regular reporting ensures transparency and supports continuous improvement.

Looking Ahead

The Moorland Federation’s Sustainability Strategy aligns with:

• Somerset Council’s Net Zero ambitions
• Diocese environmental commitments
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Through long-term planning, responsible leadership and strong partnerships, we are building schools that are sustainable, resilient and ready for the future.

Together we are creating a greener future for our children and communities.

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