Leading independent school Dollar Academy has become the first in the UK to be awarded the Food for Life Green Kitchen Standard Award, in recognition of their extensive sustainability practices.
Issued by Food for Life, a Soil Association programme that works to make good food available to all, the Green Kitchen Standard Award recognises organisations that sustainably manage their energy, water and waste, in line with the requirements of the Defra Plan for Public Procurement and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Dollar Academy has introduced a number of other sustainability-led initiatives in recent years, which include hosting the first ever UK summit tackling sustainability and education, conducting a carbon survey of the entire school and creating a pupil-led steering group looking at lifestyle and behavioural habits.
Justin Wilkes, Bursar of Dollar Academy said, “At Dollar, we are committed to enhancing the environment via a range of initiatives including reviewing transport options, enhanced recycling facilities and student initiatives such as Bee Club, which has seen the introduction of an apiary to the school grounds.
“We will continue to build on the progress already made, in line with the growing urgency of the global sustainability movement and our responsibility, as educators, to equip young people with the knowledge and skills required to tackle the climate crisis.
“We would like to thank Fergus Small at Scrutiny Outsourcing for his invaluable help and guidance in securing this award.”
Sophia Koniarska, Associate Director, Food for Life, Soil Association said: “We are delighted that Dollar Academy has been awarded the Food for Life Green Kitchen Standard (GKS) award.
“Not only does this demonstrate their commitment to their whole school community but reflects best practice requirements in carbon, energy, water and waste, recognising the role they play in responding to the climate emergency we all face.
“Congratulations on achieving the award and we hope this shows an example to others how practical actions such as GKS can have a positive impact for people and planet.”
