News: Press Release, Schools at the Forefront of Building Circular Economies: Survey Reveals Funding Challenges
Schools are increasingly recognised as vital players in the transition towards circular economies, demonstrating their potential to lead sustainable practices within their communities. By focusing on local, sustainable spending, schools can not only influence their procurement strategies but also pave the way for a more resilient local economy. Recent findings indicate that while around 5-10% of schools in the UK are currently implementing circular economy practices, many remain unaware of the opportunities available to them.
A new survey aims to shed light on the funding challenges faced by schools as they strive to adopt circular economy principles. Despite the growing awareness of sustainability, financial constraints continue to hinder schools from fully engaging in local, sustainable spending practices. This survey will collect critical data that can inform policymakers and funding bodies on the specific needs of educational institutions, ultimately aiding in the allocation of resources to support their transition.
Through participation in the survey, schools have the opportunity to position themselves as champions of local, sustainable practices. By sharing their experiences and challenges, they can contribute to a broader understanding of the barriers encountered in the procurement of sustainable products and services. The insights gained from the survey will not only highlight the importance of circular economy initiatives but also provide valuable evidence to support schools in securing additional funding.
Surprisingly, many schools allocate less than 5% of their overall budgets to sustainable and local products, despite the potential benefits of redirecting even a fraction of their spending. A medium-sized secondary school, for instance, could significantly impact its local economy by increasing its investment in local suppliers. This statistic underscores the missed opportunities for schools to foster community relationships and promote sustainability while also highlighting the urgent need for targeted support to overcome funding challenges.
In a statement regarding the survey, a spokesperson noted, “Schools can lead the way in building circular economies by embracing sustainable procurement practices and engaging with their communities. Their unique position allows them to influence future generations while contributing to the local economy. By participating in this survey, schools can help highlight the funding challenges they face and advocate for the resources needed to implement impactful circular initiatives.”
As schools strive to become more sustainable, understanding the funding landscape is critical. The survey will serve as a benchmark for schools to assess their current practices and identify areas for improvement. By effectively communicating their challenges and successes, schools can foster a culture of sustainability that extends beyond the classroom and into the community.
Why Now is the Time for Schools to Adopt Circular Economy Practices.
A growing number of schools are looking to reduce waste, lower their carbon footprints, and introduce sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and their students. According to a recent study by the Department for Education (DfE), schools are facing significant challenges in securing the right funding for sustainability projects, with only 15-20% of schools currently investing in circular economy initiatives. Despite these obstacles, there is a clear commitment among schools to integrate circular economy principles. Research by the Circular Economy Club (CEC) highlights that 30% of UK schools have implemented basic sustainability measures but lack the resources to scale these practices effectively. The Funding Gap – How Schools Can Close the Gap to Sustainability.
The traditional procurement routes, often relying on large, distant suppliers, mean that schools miss out on both local impact and economic value. Local suppliers often lack the scale to meet institutional demands, leaving schools turning to big corporations that drain money out of their communities.
This is where LocaeRise comes in—by offering an easy, online platform that connects schools with local suppliers of sustainable and circular products, we’re closing this gap. “At LocaeRise, we believe in more than just procurement—we believe in building a circular future for schools and communities alike,” said Yvonne, CEO and Co-Founder of LocaeRise. “Our mission is to help schools Find the best local sustainable suppliers, Fund the projects that matter most, and ultimately Flourish as a result.
“In line with the Local Sustainable Schools Network, LocaeRise works closely with schools to provide them with tools that not only align with government sustainability targets but also provide them with the social value that local procurement brings to communities. Every purchase made through Locaerise is an investment in local businesses, contributing to a circular economy that benefits everyone.
The Power of Circular Economy Practices.
The key benefits of adopting circular economy practices are vast and transformative. Schools that implement circular economy principles can:
Reduce waste and improve recycling processes.
Lower operational costs and resource consumption
Meet government and regulatory standards for sustainability
Enhance social value by supporting local economies and small businesses
Align with environmental goals and strengthen community engagement.
Schools such as St. Mary’s School in London have already seen significant success. By working with local vendors and committing to sustainable product choices, St. Mary’s reduced its overall procurement spend by 15% while cutting waste by over 30% in just one year. “We’ve seen first-hand the benefits of shifting to a more sustainable procurement model,” said James Williams, Head of Procurement at St. Mary’s. “Not only have we reduced our environmental impact, but the local community has benefited from increased business opportunities, and our students are seeing the real-world implications of their school’s actions.
LocaeRise: Your Partner in Sustainability
Our goal is simple: to provide a quick, convenient, and affordable platform that connects schools with local, sustainable suppliers. At Locaerise, we are committed to ensuring that circular economy practices become accessible, measurable, and impactful for every school, college, and university across the UK. By focusing on five key pillars—Speed, Convenience, Price, Choice, and Quality—we create a frictionless process for schools to meet their procurement needs sustainably:
Speed: Find and procure sustainable products in minutes through our easy-to-use platform. No lengthy processes, just results.
Convenience: We streamline the procurement process, offering everything you need in one place—local sustainable options with transparent pricing.
Price: Our local, sustainable products are competitively priced, ensuring that you don’t have to sacrifice your budget for sustainability.
Choice: Whether you need educational supplies, office products, or cafeteria goods, we offer a wide range of local options to suit your needs.
Quality: We carefully vet each vendor to ensure high-quality, eco-friendly products that align with circular economy principles.
“Our focus has always been to help schools overcome the barriers that prevent them from adopting circular economy practices.
The Future of Circular Economy in Schools.
Looking ahead, LocaeRise aims to continue its mission to provide solutions that Find. Fund. Flourish. By the end of 2025, we plan to have helped 100+ schools implement circular economy practices, saving them money while simultaneously contributing to local businesses and community growth. “We are not just changing how schools procure goods—we are changing how they think about sustainability, community, and the future,” said Yvonne. When schools align their procurement practices with circular economy principles, they create a model for future generations to follow.
Get Involved: Support Sustainability in Education
Schools, procurement officers, and business managers who are interested in learning more about how circular economy practices can help them reduce costs, meet regulatory requirements, and support local communities are encouraged to connect with LocaeRise. Together, we can create a more sustainable, more prosperous future for all. For more information, visit Locaerise or contact us at info@locaerise.com. To participate in the survey, click the link: LocaeRise Survey Link or the image blow:
About LocaeRise
LocaeRise is a platform dedicated to transforming the way schools, colleges, and universities source sustainable and circular products. By connecting schools with local businesses and supporting their sustainability goals, LocaeRise is helping educational institutions contribute to a circular economy while benefiting from reduced costs and increased social value. Notes for Journalists: For more data, please refer to the Department for Education (DfE) and Circular Economy Club (CEC). If you are interested in further case studies or want to hear from schools that have successfully implemented circular economy projects, please contact us.
Sources:
- Department for Education (DfE): Insights into the challenges schools face in securing funding for sustainability projects are based on data and studies provided by the Department for Education.
- Circular Economy Club (CEC): Research findings on the implementation of circular economy practices in schools were drawn from the Circular Economy Club.
- LocaeRise: Information regarding sustainable procurement practices and solutions for closing the funding gap in schools is attributed to LocaeRise, with supporting commentary from their CEO.
