Dear Colleague,

Welcome to this edition of our staff newsletter, which focuses on our collective commitment to sustainability and climate action.

In February 2026, Trustees approved the Trust Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. In the plan, we set out our ambition and strategy to implement carbon reduction measures, raise climate and sustainability awareness, and work towards a net-zero position in line with the Department for Education (DfE) sector-wide target to achieve net-zero by 2050, with a specific interim target for schools to reduce emissions by three-quarters by 2037.

The plan additionally reflects theme four of the Trust’s ‘Strategic Development Plan 2025-2028’ (‘Sustaining high performing business functions’), which includes a clear commitment to developing a trust-wide sustainability and climate action plan. The Sustainability and Climate Action Plan will be published on the Trust website, where you will be able to review the agreed actions and targets.

We look forward to sharing further updates with you as the plan is implemented. In the meantime, please enjoy the stories below which showcase the brilliant work already taking place across our schools to lead the way in environmental responsibility.

With best wishes,

Dominic Richards

Dominic Richards COO
Danes Educational Trust

Making the difference together

Our commitment to climate action

Roselands Primary School LED installation

With the ban on the manufacture of new fluorescent bulbs coming into effect in February 2024, the Trust has continued to demonstrate its strong commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency by ensuring that all of our schools transition to modern LED lighting systems.

This important programme of improvement continued last year with the successful installation of brand new, energy efficient LED lighting at Roselands Primary School. The upgrade not only reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs but also provides a brighter, more consistent, and comfortable learning environment, helping to support the best possible educational experience for our pupils in Hoddesdon.

St Clement Danes Solar installation, Carey Building

The second phase of our summer decarbonisation works at St Clement Danes focused on the installation of an impressive 87 kWp solar photovoltaic array. This significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure forms a key part of our wider sustainability strategy and commitment to reducing carbon emissions across the Trust.

Since becoming operational in September 2025, the solar array has already generated more than 13.7 MWh of clean, green electricity. This has resulted in savings of over £3,000 to date, while also reducing reliance on grid-supplied energy and supporting our long-term environmental and financial sustainability goals.

St Clement Danes Air Source Heat Pump installation

As part of our ambitious Decarbonisation Plan for the Danes Educational Trust, we have recently completed the installation of a modern Air Source Heat Pump at St Clement Danes School, located within the Anchor Building. This new, energy efficient system replaces the ageing and inefficient gas boiler that had been in operation since 2001, marking a significant step forward in reducing our carbon footprint and improving the long-term sustainability of our estate.

Elstree Screen Arts, LED installation

Continuing our extensive LED upgrade programme, we have now progressed into Phase 1 of the lighting installation at Elstree Screen Arts Academy. This marks another important milestone in our commitment to modernising our estate, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing the environments in which our pupils learn and create.

As a specialist Technical College, Elstree Screen Arts Academy has a number of unique and highly specific lighting requirements, particularly to support its creative and production focused curriculum. Working closely and collaboratively with Unity Electrical Services, we have carefully designed and implemented a solution that not only meets all of the College’s operational and technical needs, but also delivers improved efficiency, performance, and long term sustainability benefits.

Chancellors ASHP Installation

To continue with our Decarbonisation works during summer 2025 we simultaneously carried out the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump at Chancellors School alongside the recent upgrade at St Clement Danes School. This advanced, energy-efficient system, installed in the D+T ICT suite rooms, replaces outdated and inefficient heating infrastructure further helping us along our decarbonisation journey.