All schools to be model suppliers of healthy, sustainable food and drink, showing strong commitments to the environment, social responsibility and animal welfare in their food and drink provision, and maximising their use of local suppliers.
Opportunity
An unhealthy diet contributes to obesity and poor pupil concentration. Healthy, ethically sourced food can offer nutritional benefits while protecting the environment and supporting local producers and suppliers.
All schools to be models of energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation, showcasing opportunities such as wind, solar and biomass energy, insulation, rainwater harvesting and grey-water recycling to everyone who uses the school.
Opportunity
Rising demand for energy and water is storing up problems for future generations. Energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation can tackle this problem while saving the school money.
All schools to be models of sustainable travel, where vehicles are used only when absolutely necessary and where there are exemplary facilities for healthier, less polluting or less dangerous modes of transport.
Opportunity
Rising vehicle use adds to congestion, road accidents and pollution, including carbon emissions. Car-sharing and public transportation help to ease these concerns, while walking and cycling also boost fitness and well-being.
All schools to be models of waste minimisation and sustainable procurement, using goods and services of high environmental and ethical standards from local sources where practicable, and increasing value for money by reducing, reusing, repairing and recycling as much as possible.
Opportunity
Waste, and the throw-away culture that encourages it, can be addressed through sustainable consumption. Schools can reduce costs and support markets for ethical goods and services at the same time.
All schools - old and new - to manage and, where possible, design their buildings in ways that visibly demonstrate sustainable development to everyone who uses the school. Through their grounds, schools can bring pupils closer to the natural world, capture their imaginations in outdoor play, and help them learn about sustainable living.
Opportunity
The way school buildings are designed, constructed and managed affects their ability to "teach" pupils about sustainable living. For example, decisions over materials and equipment provide opportunities to highlight sustainable practices, while the inclusion of food-growing, biodiversity conservation and natural play in grounds increases their learning value.
All schools to be models of social inclusion, enabling all pupils to participate fully in school life while instilling a long-lasting respect for human rights, freedoms, culture and creative expression.
Opportunity
Schools can promote community cohesion by providing an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere that values everyone's participation and contributions 'irrespective of background, culture, age, religion or ability' and challenges prejudice and injustice in all its forms.
All schools to be models of corporate citizenship within their local areas, enriching their educational mission with activities that improve the environment and quality of life of local people.
Opportunity
With their central locations, facilities and extensive networks, schools can act as hubs of learning and change in their local communities. Problems on their doorstep offer relevant and engaging opportunities for pupils to learn, and a means of strengthening local relationships.
All schools to be models of global citizenship, enriching their educational mission with activities that address the needs of people living in other parts of the world, and help pupils learn from other cultures.
Opportunity
Growing interdependence between countries changes the way we view the world and ourselves. Schools can respond by developing a responsible, international outlook among their young people, based on an appreciation of the impact of their lives on global challenges, and understanding of other cultures.
The Susgauge assessment is delivered through our partners at 'Engauge'. The assessment is completed during an interview conducted by a member of the Engauge team with school staff and pupils.
Opportunity
The results are calculated on the spot, and displayed in the form of a flower giving a unique and visually attractive record for the school.The school can then choose areas they wish to improve and a team of local specialists is available to provide advice and practical support if required.
© 2010 Carey Ambrose Ltd.