Sustainability audits are essential tools for educational institutions aiming to assess and improve their environmental impact. Let’s explore this process, using the Green Standard Schools (GSS) accreditation for international language schools as an example.

Understanding sustainability audits

Doing a sustainability audit is a comprehensive way of evaluating your school’s environmental practices. An audit typically involves these steps:

1. Data collection on your school’s resource consumption
2. An assessment of your current sustainability initiatives
3. Identifying areas for improvement
4. Setting achievable sustainability goals

The Green Standard Schools audit process

The GSS audit process exemplifies a thorough sustainability assessment for language schools. After completing the online registration process, schools conduct a self-assessment audit, completing a 50-question form on various sustainability aspects. A minimum score of 130 out of 200 points is required to qualify. Successful applicants then provide supporting evidence for their claims.

Key focus areas

While audit specifics may vary, common focus areas include energy consumption and efficiency, waste management and recycling practices, water usage and conservation, and environmental education initiatives. 

For instance, the GSS audit examines energy use by asking schools to:

• Monitor and record energy consumption
• Set annual reduction targets
• Verify the use of renewable energy sources

Benefits of sustainability audits

Conducting regular sustainability audits offers numerous benefits. They help institutions identify areas for environmental improvement and reduce operational costs. What’s more, these audits can enhance a school’s reputation, attracting eco-conscious stakeholders and encouraging a culture of environmental responsibility among staff and students.

Whether pursuing formal accreditation or conducting internal assessments, sustainability audits offer valuable insights that guide schools towards more sustainable operations, ultimately contributing to a greener future. For more information about our partners as GSS, visit their website. Stay tuned to our Sustainable Wednesday series for weekly eco-friendly tips to enhance your school’s environmental performance.

Written by Stephanie Clark