Hopscotch &
The Environment
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At Hopscotch, we are passionate about inspiring children to love and care for the world around them. As early years educators, we know that the values children learn today shape the adults they become tomorrow. That is why we make sustainability a natural part of everyday life, helping little ones discover the importance of recycling, saving energy, and protecting nature in fun and meaningful ways.
We believe actions speak louder than words - we are committed to making Hopscotch a truly sustainable company by reducing, limiting, and offsetting our environmental footprint across all our nursery settings. From creating eco-friendly spaces to making responsible choices, we show children first-hand how sustainability can make a real difference.
Together, children, families, staff, and our wider community have the power to create change. Join us on our journey towards a greener future, one small step at a time!
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
We're proud that all our settings run on 100% renewable energy, and this is only the beginning. We're working towards an even greener future, with plans to install solar panels at selected nurseries. Following detailed energy surveys, we’re now putting expert recommendations into action to improve efficiency, while also supporting our teams to build energy-saving habits into their day-to-day.
Carbon Footprint Reduction
Reducing our carbon footprint is a top priority, and we are committed to playing our part in the UK’s journey to Net Zero by 2050. Our goal is to cut emissions by 50% by 2030, and we are already making great strides.
We have introduced an all-electric company van, support staff in buying bikes through the Green Commute Initiative and prioritise walking and public transport for nursery outings. However, we are always looking for new ways to do better. In 2025, we are excited to be teaming up with University of Brighton students to measure our carbon emissions and explore even more ways to reduce them.
Waste Management
Managing waste responsibly is a key part of our efforts to protect the environment, and it is a fantastic way to teach children the importance of reusing and recycling. Across all our settings, we have banned environmentally harmful materials like glitter, and in 2024, we made the switch from plastic name badges to sustainable wooden alternatives.
This year, we are taking things a step further with the launch of our very first wormery at Hove Station nursery, giving children a hands-on way to learn about composting and waste reduction. We are exploring eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics and rolling out a uniform recycling programme for staff too.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is an essential part of our sustainability journey. After launching our wetlands project at two nurseries, we are keen to expand this further across more settings. By collecting rainwater from our gutters to support ecosystems, we are hoping to create natural habitats while reducing waste.
Sustainable Food Practices
Sourcing and preparing food sustainably is a natural extension of Hopscotch’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of the children we serve. That is why we work with Little Tums, a trusted Sussex-based provider that sources locally butchered meat, free-range eggs, and responsibly caught fish.
We are hoping to create and expand our nursery vegetable patches, giving children hands-on opportunities to grow plants, herbs, and vegetables. This not only helps them understand where food comes from but also nurtures a love for healthy eating and sustainability in a fun and interactive way.
Digital Sustainability
We’re embracing digital solutions to reduce electronic and paper waste. By switching to a cloud-based filing system, managing children’s data and communication through the Famly app, and using digital signatures for registrations, we have significantly reduced paper waste. We send outdated or old technology to be refurbished or recycled and prioritise online meetings and webinars to reduce our carbon footprint.
Environmental Education
Sustainability is a core part of our curriculum, helping children explore biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable living in a fun and engaging way, all while incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through our Hopscotch Explorers programme, children enjoy outdoor learning experiences, including visits to the Rampion Wind Farm Visitors Centre.
We run hands-on activities focused on local wildlife, animal life cycles, and caring for the planet. Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce beach clean-ups, gardening projects, and workshops to deepen their connection with nature and inspire the next generation of eco-champions!
Biodiversity and Greenspaces
Urban green spaces are vital for supporting local wildlife and improving air quality, especially in Brighton and Hove. That is why we are committed to making our nurseries greener and more biodiverse, giving children meaningful opportunities to connect with nature. As part of our efforts, we are committed to planting a tree for every child registered with Hopscotch. You can view our progress here:
Community Engagement
Engaging with our local community is at the heart of our sustainability journey. We are excited to host community events like planting days and beach clean-ups while building strong partnerships with local environmental charities. We also encourage parents and carers to join our green initiatives and will be sharing our progress through social media and our website, so stay tuned!
Monitoring and Reporting
Measuring our environmental impact is essential for staying accountable and continuously improving. By tracking our fossil fuel and water consumption and regularly updating our policies based on the latest research and innovations, we can drive meaningful, lasting change and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
