Becoming a Sustainable School
Cheltenham College is committed to making a positive contribution to our environment and society by continually making improvements to our own sustainability performance and by educating, supporting and inspiring our community to achieve collective impactful change.
Sustainability Newsletters
Our Sustainability Newsletters keep the community updated on key sustainability initiatives, achievements, and events. Designed to inform and inspire, they highlight ongoing progress, share practical tips, and include insights from our Sustainability Prefect.
Read the latest edition to discover our current sustainability efforts and initiatives.
- October 2024
Renewable Futures
We are working to reduce our direct impact on the environment by making physical improvements to the estate.
For new building projects we are incorporating renewable technologies where possible including solar PV panels, EV charging points and Air Source Heat Pumps.
To improve the energy performance of our historic buildings, we are installing a new Building Management System alongside improved insulation and efficient heating and electrical equipment.
Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders
Sustainable learning and engagement opportunities are embedded in our educational, co-curricular and community volunteering activities across College and The Prep.
Our College Sustainability Prefects are driving initiatives, communication campaigns and help to provide more opportunities for pupils to become involved in sustainability activities, helping to foster behaviour change across our site.
Our Sustainability Working Group advances projects across all aspects of school life and operations, with a particular emphasis on integrating these initiatives with academic subjects and placing our pupils at the centre of these efforts.
A Circular Movement
Our aim is to use resources considerately and efficiently by reducing our consumption of disposable products, extending the life of items such as old uniforms which can be re-used or re-purposed, and providing effective recycling facilities across the site.
Giving Back to Nature
We are continually working to make our operations more sustainable by evolving our policies and processes.
Our beautiful gardens and grounds provide many opportunities for sustainable land management, from the installation of water-saving irrigation systems and rainwater capture to pollinator-friendly planting.
Sustainability Successes
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Rain Garden
We are delighted to see our Rain Garden in full bloom, inspired by the collaboration between Gloucestershire’s Wildlife Trust and Gloucester Rugby. Constructed and planted last year with the help of the Prep Sustainability Super Squad, the Estates Team, and the Gardening Team, this new water storage and distribution system mimics natural hydrological processes. The system allows us to capture rainwater runoff from the building’s roof, helping to reduce flooding and filter pollutants, which in turn replenishes local groundwater supplies. The planting process was designed to provide habitats for diverse wildlife and attract pollinating insects, promoting ecological health in our urban setting.
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ESOS Phase III Report
Cheltenham College is pleased to announce the successful completion of our mandatory ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme) submission for the Phase III period. This scheme reflects our commitment to energy efficiency, as we have conducted detailed site audits and data analysis in collaboration with our Lead Assessor. These detailed assessments not only meet the latest regulatory standards but also highlight our ongoing dedication to operational excellence and sustainability. We look forward to actively implementing the recommended improvements to guide our energy management strategy and practices.
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New recycling infrastructure
The implementation of new recycling facilities across The Prep and College has been highly successful, with a specific emphasis on our boarding houses. The newly installed recycling stations are strategically placed to enhance accessibility and efficiency, allowing our pupils and staff to easily separate and correctly dispose of materials. This upgrade not only supports Zero-Waste-to-Landfill but also fosters a culture of sustainability within our community. Notably, the integration of these facilities has led to a 19% increase in recyclable waste in Leconfield, rising from 35% in 2022 to 54.3% in 2023.
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Reusables
As we continue to reduce our use of disposables, we have introduced reusable water bottles and coffee cups available to purchase from College Coffee. These eco-friendly alternatives, sourced from companies dedicated to sustainability, are designed to reduce single-use plastic waste. By providing our pupils and staff with high-quality, reusable options, we are not only minimising our ecological footprint but also supporting brands that align with our values of ethical and sustainable practices.