Defining Features

The defining features of Sustainable Schools are:

Improved learning outcomes

• As students are involved and engaged in authentic learning topics
• As they solve real problems that they are empowered to implement
• Because they take greater responsibility for their learning
• As they take greater ownership of their school and have greater respect for their fellow students
• Because they are happier at school, there is less aggravation and absenteeism.

Partnerships with other groups and their community

• Working in partnership with their community, within their community.
• Facilitating partnerships with education departments, local governments, regions, community groups, government sustainability departments and agencies.
• Referring schools to existing educational organisations, networks, resources and programs and acting as an informal information hub for teachers.
• Building on each school's past achievements in education for sustainable development and providing recognition of prior achievement.
• Developing case studies for access by other schools and state agencies. Providing an effective framework
• The framework focuses on making sure the school operations works towards effective learning outcomes for students.
• A framework or guided process for facilitating cultural and behavioural change in a school.
• It is not a 'conventional' program, but can provide customised workshops.
• Identifies twelve key elements, which are not necessarily sequential.
• Offers schools advice on funding their programs, through such strategies as 'green fencing' (funding further activities through money saved by other activities) and obtaining grants.
• Provides networking and cluster opportunities for schools, teachers and students.

Achieving positive outcomes

• Supporting schools in their growth from awareness through to leadership in education for sustainable development.
• Fostering schools ownership and empowerment of their sustainability program and focusing on student involvement and learning.

Building on a strong foundation

• Building on the experiences of the award-winning EcoRecycle Waste Wise Schools Program and other excellent environmental initiatvies in Victoria.
• Based on extensive research into national and international culture change programs and best practice environmental education.

• Cooperation and collaboration between governments, schools, business and other groups at all levels
• A focus on achieving positive Triple Bottom Line (TBL) outcomes (educational, environmental, social and economic)
• Provides a strategic and holistic framework for sustainability education]
• Provides a guided process for facilitating cultural and behavioural change in a school]
• Offers schools advice on strategies for funding their projects and obtaining grants
• Facilitates networking opportunities for schools, teachers and students
• Encourages innovation, excellence and leadership in sustainability education
• Thorough evaluation and monitoring
• Meets North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE) criteria for environmental education
• Provides incentives for schools, such as awards and accreditation
• Addresses key environmental issues for schools, such as waste, litter, water, energy, air quality and biodiversity
• Integrates sustainable operating practices with sustainability in the curriculum
• Encourages engagement by the whole school community and promotes sustainable living to the broader community