April 22nd is the annual event, known as Earth Day, celebrated around the world to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Over one billion people celebrate this day – across more than 193 countries. People will join demonstrations, projects and initiatives in efforts to help protect the planet.
As staff finalise their preparations to welcome students back for Term 2, I expect initiatives around sustainability, large and small, will continue to be a key focus in many schools. This may take the form of the Green Travel Plan, recycling initiatives, energy reduction and efficiency and donating food surpluses. Of course, any school’s mission through providing education should have a positive impact on society and the planet.
Many School Board Directors may wish to appreciate better the School’s positioning around ESG – Environment, Social, Governance – and for this to be a topic on an upcoming Agenda. ESG is mainstream and no longer just for financial markets or those key industries directly impacting on the environment.
As many CEOs and corporate boards find themselves under pressure to increase disclosures around ESG issues ESG reporting is becoming more the norm. It is inevitable that School Boards may wish to ensure the School’s vision, strategy and accountability can be aligned to improve societal, environmental and governance outcomes alongside their key purpose of providing education.
Directors may be expressing an interest in the School’s Sustainability policy and practices, student education around ESG initiatives, People and Procurement Policies and other areas that may contribute to the School’s ESG goals, mission and values.
Clarity is likely to be needed on what data can be collected and measured – both quantitative and non-quantitative – to ensure valuable and ongoing reporting against ESG goals.
I would suggest that if a School Board has not yet discussed their ESG Framework it might be timely to do so.
If this posting resonates with you, please feel free to reach out to me.
