School sustainability conference 2026: Turning climate plans into daily practice

Building on the success of the 2025 Sustainability Conference, this 2026 event will continue to support schools on their journey towards a more sustainable future and the shared ambition of achieving net zero by 2030.

As many schools move from planning to action, the conference will focus on the ongoing implementation of Climate Action Plans and the practical steps needed to embed sustainable practice across school communities. The day will provide space for reflection, shared learning and discussion, alongside opportunities to explore emerging challenges, developments and approaches to sustainability in education.

Designed to support schools at different stages of their sustainability journey, the conference will aim to inspire continued progress, encourage collaboration and help schools build confidence in taking the next steps towards meaningful, long-term change.

Keynote speakers

• Rachel Musson, Director of Education, Thoughtbox | Discussing a whole school approach to wellbeing and the links this has to support climate action plans

• Tim Stone | Department for Education | Discussing DfE lead updates on Climate Action Plans and putting these into practice

 Workshops

• Growing a Greener School: Starting and developing a successful school composting programme - Nicky Scott, Mr Compost
• National Education Nature Park: Community science for impact at school and beyond - Richard Irvine, National Education Nature Park
• Aspirations and pathways towards sustainable school food -  Dr Fatma Sabet and Abigail Page 
• Sustainability and Climate Change Leadership: embedding climate action into statutory and non-statutory guidance - Nichole Shantz, Climate Ambassador Southwest Hub Manager 
• Quick wins and longer term strategies for saving energy in your school - Nicola Webb, Senior Energy and Carbon Consultant, Energy Sparks
• What’s in your bins? Turn waste data into savings, simpler compliance and a stronger Climate Action Plan - Philippa Roberts, CEO and Founder of binit UK
• Climate action in the curriculum: Coding for climate action and EcoCode (KS2/KS3) - Matt Hewlett, Digit<all> Charity

Conference programme

View the programme here