Introduction to sustainability

In Sustainable Schools, students experience through problem solving their capacity to care for the environment while improving our quality of life.

An introduction to sustainability provides a vision, a sense of unity, an understanding of the issues and a broad plan for the future. If this element is missing there will be no common purpose or vision.

Outcomes from this key element

• Helps schools to link these concepts:
  • Student learning and welfare
  • School culture
  • The impact of schools on the environment
  • What education for sustainable development is
  • Economic benefits for schools
  • Requirements of becoming a Sustainable School
  • Sustainability and the role of educators as models
• Establishes a shared school vision statement: What would this school look like if I was to come back five years from now?

Resource Links

• About Sustainability overview
• An Ecological Footprint tracks how much individuals, organisations, cities, regions and nations, or humanity as a whole consumes and compares this amount to the resources nature can provide. WWF has calulated the Ecological Footprint of 150 countries across the globe. Click here to find out how Australia rated.
• Use the Victorian EPA Footprint Calulator to work out your foortprint at home, at school and in the office
• Primary students will enjoy visiting the Ollies Saves the Planet website which provides information and interactive activities on Sustainability as well as energy, biodiversity, water and waste.