Sustainable Development at The Leys

COMING UP: Leys Energy Saving Fortnight: 19-23 Oct & 3-9 Nov coinciding with: National Energy Saving Week.

Highlights: Heroes & Villains Assembly; Low Energy Lunch (vegetarian); Energy-Saving Debate; Inter-House Competition.

Most of the School created a recycling swoosh and won a national competition!Sustainability Committee

In 2006, a staff-led body was created to take a closer look at what the School should be doing to help reduce our waste, cut our carbon footprint and gradually move the School on a more sustainable course.

The committee includes student representation and has been making steady progress, with awareness campaigns for energy efficiency and Fair Trade as well as innovative monitoring of electricity use in Houses. In 2008 we installed solar thermal panels on Fen House.

NEWS: Solar panels added to Fen [image] | Recycle Week Winners! | Climate Charter adopted

Eco-Schools Logo. Click to visit their website.Eco-Schools at The Leys

In 2007, a student-run body was created to improve the School through the Eco-Schools Scheme. They are also looking at making our purchasing more ethical, working towards Fairtrade School Status.

In November 2007, they published a basic Environmental Review, which looked at a number of areas, from recycling to energy use. Further discussion led to the students drawing up an Action Plan, published in January 2008. This is now being acted on... and the Silver is well under way.

Update: Grant secured to fund water-saving equipment which was installed over October half term!

NEWS: School wins Eco-Schools funding for water-control equipment! | Bronze Award Achieved | Recycling Batteries begins

The Fairtrade Mark. Click to visit their website.Fairtrade at The Leys

The School Shop has stocked items carrying the Fairtrade Mark for some years and frequently expands its range. In 2007 a school-wide awareness campaign was launched, with the 2008 focus on coffee and cotton.

Catering also make extensive use of Fairtrade coffee and tea. In due course we plan to widen our sourcing of Fairtrade products.

LINKS: Cambridge Matters Magazine | Cambridge Climate Change Charter | Energy Saving Trust | Carbon Trust