If you work in education, you’ve probably noticed a shift in how sustainability is being talked about-not just as a feel-good extra, but as something institutions are expected to take seriously. And more than ever, that expectation is coming with rules attached.

Right now, one of the most talked-about regulations is the UK Government’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for Education, launched in 2022. It sets some ambitious targets: every school should have a sustainability lead and a climate action plan in place by 2025. That’s not just a suggestion-it’s a policy goal, and schools are being encouraged to start preparing(1).

For institutions with larger estates-especially colleges and universities-Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are required when buildings are sold, let, or modified. They rate how energy efficient a building is, and if your buildings fall below a certain rating, you might struggle with leasing or funding. It’s not just paperwork-it affects long-term planning(2).

Waste regulations are also tightening. Schools are under increasing pressure to sort, recycle, and dispose of waste responsibly, especially if they run on-site catering or science labs. Councils are keeping a closer eye on compliance, and there are consequences for getting it wrong(3).

For universities and larger colleges, Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) may apply if they meet the threshold. That means you need to measure and report your emissions and energy use in your annual financial statements-a task that usually falls to estates or finance teams(4).

Even procurement is being pulled into the sustainability space. If your institution bids for government funding or contracts, you’re expected to show how your operations align with net-zero goals. That might involve sourcing from ethical suppliers or showing how your transport policies reduce emissions(5).

These regulations aren’t just hoops to jump through-they’re shaping how education is delivered and how institutions interact with their communities. For many, it’s still a learning curve. But understanding these rules now means being better prepared for what’s next.

Bibliography

1 Sustainability and climate change strategy (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainability-and-climate-change-strategy

2 Energy Performance Certificates for your business premises (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/energy-performance-certificate-commercial-property

3 Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling-workplace-recycling-in-england

4 Environmental reporting guidelines: including Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting requirements  (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-reporting-guidelines-including-mandatory-greenhouse-gas-emissions-reporting-guidance

5 The Procurement Act 2023: A short guide for suppliers (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-act-2023-short-guides/the-procurement-act-2023-a-short-guide-for-suppliers-html