Empowering schools and trusts to take meaningful climate action with a DfE-aligned Climate Action Plan that turns ambition into measurable progress.
What Is the DfE Climate Action Plan for Schools?
The DfE Climate Action Plan (CAP) helps schools and multi-academy trusts measure, manage and reduce their environmental impact in line with the Department for Education’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy. Our Climate Action Plan for Schools provides a structured, practical framework to understand where emissions come from, set achievable targets, and implement improvements across energy, travel, waste and procurement.
We co-developed the national Climate Action Plan platform (climateactionplan.org.uk) which is now featured on the Government’s own Sustainability Support for Education site. Through this collaboration, every school can access a free version of the tool, while our premium package adds tailored data, analysis and long-term expert support.
Why Do Schools Need a Climate Action Plan?
The DfE has made it clear that every school should have a Climate Action Plan in place. Beyond compliance, it’s a vital opportunity to embed sustainability into the heart of education from curriculum to campus. A well-structured schools climate action plan enables leadership teams to track progress, cut costs through better energy management, and demonstrate environmental responsibility to pupils, parents and communities.
Our approach goes further – we help schools understand their carbon footprint, identify realistic steps toward Net Zero, and create a culture of sustainability that students can learn from. Our expertise in environmental data and strategic planning means your plan delivers lasting change.
Get Started with your Climate Action Plan
Climate Action Management Platform for Trusts
Support, coordinate, manage and report climate action across your Trust's settings.
Climate Action Platform Tool for Schools, Nurseries, Colleges and Universities
Take meaningful action to improve your organisation’s sustainability, as well as meeting the Department for Education’s targetFrequently Asked Questions about DfE CAPs for Schools
- What is included in a schools Climate Action Plan?
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A schools Climate Action Plan outlines how your school will reduce its environmental impact across key areas such as energy, waste, travel and procurement. It includes baseline data, measurable objectives, timelines and monitoring processes. Blue Marble’s version also links directly to the DfE framework, ensuring your plan meets national sustainability expectations.
- Is the DfE Climate Action Plan mandatory?
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While not yet a statutory requirement, the DfE expects all schools to develop and maintain a Climate Action Plan. This will soon become an integral part of reporting and accountability across the education sector. Preparing now helps schools stay ahead and access potential funding and partnership opportunities.
- How do schools access the Climate Action Plan tool?
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All schools can register free of charge at climateactionplan.org.uk. The online platform, created and maintained by Blue Marble for the DfE, guides users through each stage of their climate journey from baseline data entry to action tracking and reporting.
- What’s the difference between the free and premium versions?
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The free Climate Action Plan gives every school a solid foundation and full compliance with DfE guidance. The premium version adds tailored analysis, verified data, consultancy time, and direct support from our sustainability and energy specialists, ideal for trusts or schools with complex estates or carbon reduction targets.
- How does Blue Marble support Multi-Academy Trusts?
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We help MATs create a centralised climate action plan that aggregates data from each school while preserving individual accountability. Our Climate Action Management Platform (CAMP) provides trust-wide dashboards, enabling leadership teams to track collective progress and target resources efficiently.
- Can the Climate Action Plan help reduce energy costs?
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Yes. By analysing your current energy use and identifying quick-win efficiency measures, your plan can highlight tangible savings. Many schools find that implementing their climate action plan leads to reduced energy bills, better contract management and stronger business cases for funding improvements.
- Is specialist knowledge required to use the tool?
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No, the platform is designed for accessibility. Anyone from a bursar to a headteacher can complete it with minimal technical background. Our premium service includes guided workshops and technical reviews, ensuring accuracy and confidence in your data.
- How often should schools update their Climate Action Plan?
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We recommend reviewing and updating your plan annually to reflect progress and new opportunities. The online tool makes it easy to revise actions, upload new data, and generate updated reports for governors, trustees and the DfE.
- How is Blue Marble connected to the Government’s sustainability programme?
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Blue Marble helped design and continues to maintain the Sustainability Support for Education platform on behalf of the DfE. This partnership ensures our tools and guidance remain aligned with national policy and reflect the latest best practice in school sustainability.
- Why choose Blue Marble as your Climate Action Plan partner?
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Because we’re more than a platform provider. We bring scientific rigour, strategic insight and a long-term commitment to your success. Our consultants work alongside your team by analysing data, identifying priorities and helping you turn your Climate Action Plan into measurable, positive change for your school and community.
Have Any Questions? Book a Climate Action Consultation
Talk to our Sustainability Experts and explore how we can turn your Climate Action Plan into measurable progress.
“We chose to work with Blue Marble because their CAMP tool gives each of our schools the structure to develop Climate Action Plans consistently, while providing the Trust with oversight and visibility. Their partnership with the Department for Education on the national Sustainability Support for Education service gave us real confidence in their credibility and impact. Blue Marble combine expertise with practical solutions that help us live out our mission of stewardship and care for creation.”
Rose Colpus-Fricker, Chief Operating Officer at Plymouth CAST Multi Academy Trust