Schools play a vital role in shaping future generations — not only through education, but also through the values they demonstrate. In today’s world, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices are becoming increasingly important for schools of all sizes.
What is ESG?
ESG is a framework that helps organisations — including schools — focus on three key areas:
- Environmental: Managing energy use, reducing emissions, and adopting sustainable procurement.
- Social: Supporting equality, community partnerships, and student wellbeing.
- Governance: Ensuring strong policies, safe systems, and transparent decision-making.
For schools, ESG is less about ticking compliance boxes and more about demonstrating leadership, responsibility, and care for students and communities.
1. Environmental: Preparing for New Expectations
Sustainability is moving from “good to have” to “must have.” New Australian legislation requires organisations to report on carbon emissions — starting with Scope 1 (direct fuel and fleet emissions) and Scope 2 (electricity use). Larger private schools may be affected as soon as this year, with all schools expected to follow within the next few years.
What this means for schools:
- Track and reduce energy usage across campuses.
- Explore renewable power options.
- Choose suppliers offering sustainable materials such as low-emission paints for school painting and university painting contractor projects.
- Incorporate school open space and grounds maintenance practices that support biodiversity and water conservation.
2. Social: Strengthening Community and Equity
The social pillar is where schools already shine. Equality of opportunity, inclusive learning environments, and community partnerships are central to education. ESG encourages schools to tell this story more clearly.
Examples include:
- Ensuring equal access to education for students of all backgrounds.
- Promoting diversity and fairness in staff hiring and development.
- Supporting community groups, charities, and student volunteering initiatives.
- Enhancing student experience with signage solutions, including digital signage for accessibility and wayfinding.
- Designing safe and inclusive school open space areas through professional grounds maintenance.
These efforts not only build school pride but also reinforce a school’s image as a socially responsible organisation.
3. Governance: Protecting Students and Building Trust
Governance may sound like a corporate term, but in schools it covers some of the most important aspects of trust and safety.
Key focus areas include:
- Cybersecurity & privacy: Protecting student data in a digital-first learning environment.
- Health & safety: Maintaining safe classrooms, school buildings, and open space areas through effective facilities management.
- Procurement transparency: Choosing partners and suppliers that align with sustainable and ethical standards.
- Facility governance: Ensuring compliance across building projects, signage solutions, commercial painting, and electrical systems.
By strengthening governance, schools protect their communities while building credibility with parents and stakeholders.
How Schools Can Start Their ESG Journey
Getting started doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here are three simple steps.
- Educate your leadership team about ESG principles and what they mean for schools.
- Identify quick wins — such as reducing energy use, highlighting existing student volunteering programs, or reviewing supplier sustainability.
- Tell your story — showcase your school’s efforts in newsletters, reports, or case studies to demonstrate leadership.
Looking Ahead
The ESG landscape is evolving quickly. By acting now, schools can get ahead of compliance requirements, strengthen their reputation, and demonstrate their commitment to students, staff, and the wider community.
👉 Next Steps
If your school is looking to strengthen its ESG approach, start by asking:
- How do we measure and reduce our environmental footprint?
- What are we doing to support diversity, equity, and inclusion?
- Do we have the right systems in place to protect our students and demonstrate transparency?
Partnering with an experienced provider such as Programmed Property Services can help schools align their facilities with ESG goals. Contact us today.
