Acorn and Net Zero

At Acorn Education Trust, we recognise the important role education has to play in creating a more sustainable future. As part of our commitment to achieving Net Zero, we are working across all of our schools to better understand our environmental impact and take practical steps to reduce our carbon footprint. Our Climate Action Plan sets out a clear programme of work focused on improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions and supporting sustainable decision-making across the Trust. 

By establishing a baseline across key areas such as lighting, heating, windows, renewable energy opportunities, electric vehicle charging and travel patterns, we can identify where improvements will have the greatest impact and track our progress over time. This work supports the Department for Education's sustainability expectations while helping us create more efficient, environmentally responsible schools for our pupils, staff and communities.

As we continue our journey towards Net Zero, we remain committed to investing in practical solutions, embracing innovation and ensuring sustainability becomes an integral part of life across Acorn Education Trust.

Growing The Acorn Forest

At Acorn Education Trust, we are committed to playing our part in creating a more sustainable future and supporting our journey towards Net Zero. As part of this commitment, we are delighted to announce a new partnership with Treeapp, helping us make a positive environmental impact that will grow year after year.

Starting September 2026, we have planted 350 trees in a private forest in Tanzania, with one tree planted for every new Reception pupil joining our schools. These trees will form the very first part of The Acorn Forest, a living legacy that will continue to grow as future generations of Acorn pupils join our Trust.

The impact of these first 350 trees is already significant. Over their lifetime, they are expected to:

• Absorb 38.2 tonnes of CO₂
• Restore 2,335m² of land through reforestation
• Support local biodiversity and contribute to wider environmental sustainability efforts

Our ambition is to continue planting a tree for every new Reception pupil each year, steadily expanding The Acorn Forest and creating a lasting environmental legacy that reflects our commitment to sustainability, stewardship, and future generations.

Treeapp | Your Profile

Treeapp is one of the UK's leading tree-planting organisations, empowering businesses to plant trees where they are needed most. As a certified B Corp, every decision is guided by one principle: the right tree, the right place.

With millions of trees planted across 20 countries on five continents, Treeapp has created over 70,000 workdays for local communities. Over 450 native and non-invasive species are carefully selected based on location, soil, and ecological need. Every project is mapped to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and monitored through satellite imagery, ground surveys, and survivability tracking - ensuring every tree makes a lasting difference.