One of our Multi Academy Trusts has won the Multi Academy Trust Association Green Trust of the Year Award.
The Trinity Multi Academy Trust covers six secondary schools, four primary schools, and a post-16 college, with 1300 staff and 8000 pupils across West Yorkshire.
In 2022 they launched their Earthshot Initiative, aiming to build a waste-free world by ensuring all school waste is reused or recycled, fix the climate by achieving Eco-Schools Green Flag Accreditation, revive oceans by eradicating all single-use plastic within Trinity MAT, clean the air by incentivising the buying of an electric vehicle for all staff and protect nature by decreasing the number of staff and pupils opting for meat dishes.
Their hard work has been recognised by the Multi Academy Trust Association, with their recent win of the Green Trust of the Year Award.
Emma Hanlon-Gosling, Director of Trinity MAT Earthshot, said: “It was an honour to win Green Trust of the Year Award as it recognises our incredible efforts since the launch of our Trinity MAT Earthshot initiative in 2022.
“We have engaged 8000 students and 1500 staff in a decade of action to repair our planet.
“Our highlights include recycling over 250 tonnes of waste; a decrease of 3 million single-use plastic items; and achieving 18 Eco-School Green Flag Accreditations.
“We are very proud of our young people who are making a real difference in their schools, communities and the wider world.”
Recognising the impact of food choices on the environment, Trinity MAT has increased vegetarian options in school canteens by 25%, reducing meat dish consumption by 160,000 in the past year.
This initiative not only cuts down on carbon footprints but also ensures that students and staff are provided with nutritious and sustainable meal options.
The Trust reports achieving Zero to Landfill across its institutions, recycling over 250 tonnes of waste.
This includes recycling efforts from turning waste wood into classroom rulers to comprehensive programs such as ‘Uniform Swap’ and ‘Bags for Schools’, which promoting reuse and reduce landfill contributions.
Single-use plastics have been eradicated from Trinity MAT academies, with significant reductions in plastic bottles and disposable cutlery, totalling a decrease of 3 million single-use plastic items.
Students and staff are encouraged to adopt reusable alternatives like mugs and water bottles.
Participation in initiatives such as Plastic Free July and organised beach clean-ups extends the Trust’s educational impact, teaching students about the importance of preserving marine life.
The introduction of an Electric Vehicle (EV) initiative since 2022 has led to a 750% increase in EV ownership among staff, facilitated by the installation of charging points at all academies.
Additionally, the ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme motivates sustainable commuting, contributing to healthier lifestyles and reduced emissions.
Trinity MAT’s commitment to eco-friendly practices has earned them 18 Eco-School Green Flag Accreditations since September 2022.
Through these comprehensive initiatives, Trinity MAT has responded to pressing environmental issues and also fostered a culture of sustainability within its community, staff and pupils/students.
The establishment of Earthshot Eco-Committees in each school ensures continuous engagement and accountability, further supported by immersive forest schools linked to advanced science labs in primary schools.