In this week’s assembly, Sixth Form Environmental Ambassador, Elodie outlined the rationale for the initiative and invited nominations for the pupil-elected Eco-Committee which will have one representative from each year group. The Eco-Committee will then conduct an environmental audit of current practices in the school in a variety of topics, which could include biodiversity, energy, litter, water, healthy living, transport or waste. Using the results from the audit, the Eco-Committee will formulate an action plan for three chosen topic areas and put the plan into practice.

Mrs Phillips-Morgan, Environmental Awareness Co-ordinator said,

“Momentum has been building around the issue of climate change and the need to take action right now and so the Eco-Schools Programme is the perfect vehicle for our community to take stock of its environmental impact and challenge ourselves to tackle issues at a level where we can see tangible results and cultivate a sustainable mindset.

There is already tremendous support amongst staff and girls for this initiative and indeed, the School has already taken steps to reduce its environmental footprint. Food waste is recycled off site in an anaerobic digestion plant to produce biofertilizer; wildflower areas have been sown around the campus; lavender has been planted to attract pollinators; plants are propagated in the School polytunnel; electric car-charging points are planned for the future.

It will take time to bring in long-lasting changes, but if we can begin as a school to become more aware of our environmental impact and embed this awareness into our ethos, I am sure that we will make a lasting difference.“