01 / Introduction

The UK’s schools stand at the heart of communities, shaping the future of millions of children. Yet, with over 29,000 schools and 78.7 million m² of state school buildings in England alone, the environmental impact of these institutions is immense. 

Schools account for 36% of public sector emissions. Many facilities are outdated, with 70% of the floorspace of English schools built before 1976. Consequently they require significant upgrades to be fit for a low carbon future. 

As the UK strives to meet its 2050 net zero carbon goals, the challenge of decarbonising the education estate has become a national priority. The estimated cost of decarbonising the entire UK schools estate is £16.3bn, according to a 2025 report by the Green Finance Institute. 

Education policy has been devolved across the four UK nations since 1999. Each UK nation’s approach to meeting its carbon goals in schools is therefore unique. 

Although state funding for education is distributed centrally by the UK government as block grants using the Barnett formula, each country determines and manages its own system for investment in, and decarbonisation of, its school building stock.

The devolved nature of building and maintenance investment creates alternative approaches in sustainability strategy and outcomes in different UK countries. However, it also boosts opportunities for fresh perspectives to sustainability and decarbonisation: with learnings and innovation that can be shared across the nations. This article explores how England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are innovating to create sustainable, future-ready schools.

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