Sustainability is not a trend, it is a necessity
In today's world, students in the UK are facing numerous sustainability challenges, from dealing with plastic waste to managing energy consumption. These issues are significant and require attention. It's crucial for schools to raise awareness and take action to address these environmental concerns.
Lack of training for teachers and staff can hinder sustainability efforts in schools. Without proper education and guidance, implementing green initiatives may seem daunting. However, various sustainability initiatives are emerging across the UK, aiming to bridge this gap. From recycling programs to energy-saving campaigns, schools are exploring diverse approaches to implement eco-friendly practices within their communities. Despite the obstacles, there's a growing recognition of the importance of equipping educators and staff with the tools and knowledge needed to champion sustainability within school environments.
Bromcom is committed to fostering a sustainable future by prioritising environmental responsibility. This is reflected in our efforts to minimise our carbon footprint, enhance resource efficiency, and prevent pollution. Through a strategic collaboration with Microsoft Azure, we use cloud services renowned for their exceptional energy efficiency, with potential savings of up to 93%. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, it is possible to contribute to a more sustainable educational landscape for generations to come.
Interview with Favour Ilori
To gain greater insight into the topic, we interviewed Favour Ilori, a doctoral researcher at the University of Hertfordshire (UH).
Favour focuses on the implementation of climate change adaptation measures and reforming Article 7 of the Paris Agreement 2015. Her research outcomes aim to provide valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and the academic community to develop effective strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Passionate about fostering academic excellence and innovation, she shares her knowledge and experience with the next generation of lawyers and scholars. Additionally, Favour works/volunteers at Sustain/Education, a Registered Charity focused on sustainability-themed initiatives whose vision is to raise a generation of young people who are energised to work as a society for the welfare of the earth.
One of the main topics of our conversation was the lack of awareness about sustainability at schools.
"A lot of our curriculums do not have anything climate-friendly. Are we seeking out experts for collaboration? Some schools are doing it now, which is amazing. However, if we could scale impact, that would be even better."
We are currently at a stage of great reformation. Schools are learning how to incorporate sustainability within their programs and are encouraging students to be more environmentally friendly. The challenge however, is that such number of schools is relatively low. Many schools operate within tight budgets and may view investments in eco-friendly infrastructure or curriculum development as financially prohibitive. Education leaders, however, are starting to realise that investing into sustainable education is not only inevitable, but absolutely necessary.
"Empower the next generation by embedding sustainability in the curriculum. Future generations are going to be saved by understanding the issues - and solutions - from an early age."
Another topic which we discussed with Favour is the role that technology plays in regard to promoting sustainability at schools. Both concepts are related, especially when we consider the role of AI. Students have access to knowledge banks such as ChatGPT, which makes it easier for them to research topics such as plastic waste. Despite the fact that some schools discourage the use of AI tools in education, according to Favour, it can be a good way to help students get a general overview of the concept.
"Using technology to improve current efforts simplifies ways for students to learn about sustainability. Tools such as ChatGPT can give you a starting idea of where we are at and what are we facing. It is, however, important to learn how to filter through the noise. This is where you need educators and experts to come in to help."
Favour went on to talk about the importance of organisations which offer help to schools and the approach of schools to such initiatives.
"I had worked and currently volunteer for an organisation called Sustain/Education, focusing on kids aged 7 to 11, where we offer all students at a critical learning age the knowledge to generate progressive and innovative ideas, enabling them to renovate the world to their own modern vision. We also provide innovative games where students can learn about carbon emissions, solar radiation, and wind energy. By making it fun and interactive, we're nurturing their curiosity and creativity from an early age."
Education is the key
Favour is a glowing example of how education can transform the perception of students on sustainability.
"At first, I cared about energy law. Then, during my master's, I had to take an environmental law class. I wasn't interested at first, but one lecturer changed everything. She made me realise the importance of the environment. Within weeks, I was passionate about it. I even changed my dissertation to focus on environmental issues. That class turned me from indifferent to a champion for the environment. It just shows how education can really change your perspective and push you to make a difference."
Bromcom promotes sustainability
Bromcom is dedicated to enhancing its environmental performance by integrating best practices into its operations. We focus on continuous improvement by implementing:
Bromcom aims to minimise its environmental impact and contribute positively to the planet. This commitment underscores Bromcom's belief in the importance of environmental sustainability, and includes:
Additionally, Bromcom's partnership with Microsoft Azure aligns with its commitment to sustainability, as Microsoft Azure aims for 100% renewable energy, water positivity, zero-waste certification, and net-zero deforestation.
Bromcom has also adopted eco-friendly practices as standard, such as video conferencing, maintaining a paperless office, and recycling, to further minimise environmental impact.
We are excited to be an MIS provider which will not only support schools in being sustainable but also partner with them to ultimately help achieve better education outcomes.
Check out Bromcom and see how we could meet your MIS and Finance needs by booking a free demo.