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Carbon and resource management

Reducing the resources used by schools is not only good for the environment but can also save money. Resource Futures has expertise in supporting schools with pupil-led campaigns that empower students to make changes in their own behaviour and spread the message to others, resulting in measurable outcomes.

Reducing energy use

With the introduction of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme) which requires schools to report on their energy usage and to lower their carbon emissions, reducing energy use in schools has become a high priority. Schools are also motivated by financial contrainsts;  money saved on energy represents a realistic way of preserving budgets for other priorities such as staffing and equipment.

We can provide schools with advice and support in:

  • Using technology to enable pupils to take meter readings to monitor energy usage.
  • Making issues surrounding energy efficiency and climate change accesible to pupils of all ages.
  • Planning a whole-school campaign of energy reduction.

Please refer to our Energy Futures project in Bath and North East Somerset and the Green Finger project in Bristol for more details of our work with schools on energy reduction.

Reducing resource use and increasing recycling

Resource Futures has extensive experience of working with schools to reduce their resource use and increase both composting and recycling.  We have particular expertise in:

  • School waste audits (with or without pupil involvement)
  • Supporting  schools with the introduction of food waste collections, including assemblies for pupils and training for catering staff
  • Setting up school in-vessel composting systems, including training for caretakers / site managers
  • Designing curriculum-linked activities to engage pupils and teachers with waste issues

As with all our services, in some areas we are able to offer subsidised support- see our local project area pages.

For more information, or to discuss your school's requirements and our costs, contact the Education Team on 0117 914 3456 or email us.

Project Synopses

Resource Futures helps WRAP understand recent reductions in food waste

Resource Futures has recently helped WRAP to estimate how much household food waste has decreased nationally in recent years, with the recently published “Synthesis of Food Waste Compositional Data 2010” 

Best estimates ever of what’s in our rubbish

Defra has published a study carried out by Resource Futures which provides the best estimates to date of what’s in the ‘national rubbish bin’.

Research into reuse of household items through online portals

In 2011, Resource Futures carried out WRAP funded research into how household items are reused through online portals such as eBay, Freegle and Gumtree.  The research included a detailed survey on internet user habits regarding online exchange and sought to understand the reasons for not using such sites.  

News and Events

Community RePaint: A Helping Hand for Hearts and Minds in 2011

In 2011, householders, traders and paint manufacturers donated 343,957 litres of paint to Community RePaint schemes, which then distributed 217,112 litres to community groups and individuals saving 565 tonnes of CO2 – the equivalent of taking 192 cars off our roads - and providing 766 volunteer and training opportunities. The network now has over 65 schemes across the UK with four new schemes about to start at the beginning of 2012.    

Resource Futures seeks new Non-Executive Chair

Following restructuring during 2011 Resource Futures is now looking to strengthen its Board with a new Non-Executive Chair.  The company is forecasting a three-fold increase in its profit from 2% in the year ended March 2010 to 6% for the year ending March 2012.  The new position will join Chief Executive Officer Jane Stephenson MBE and Operations Director Sam Reeve, bringing independent scrutiny and advice to this successful business at Board level. 

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