How do we green our school?
Greening your school is an extraordinarily cost-effective way to enhance student learning, reduce health and operational costs and, ultimately, increase quality and competitiveness.
A green school typically features:
- energy and water efficiency strategies
- greenhouse gas emission reduction
- waste management and recycling
- noise, water, air, soil and light pollution prevention
- internal spaces designed to maximise daylight and air quality
- environmentally responsible building materials and classroom fitouts
- close proximity to public transport
- facilities that encourage alternative transport methods
- productive and healthier environments
- flexible and adaptable spaces.
A school building doesn't have to be new to be green. Older schools can undergo green renovations too, and embrace sustainability in their day-to-day learning environment.
Find out more about the positive steps you can take to improve your school's:
- Energy and lighting
- Computer and electronic equipment
- Water consumption
- Indoor environment quality
- Transport
- Recycling
Don't forget to engage your students. By working together, you can help them understand that small things can make a big difference. Get them involved in greening your school, and then encourage them to spread the word in your community.
Next steps
The federal government's $14.7 billion school infrastructure package is a golden opportunity to go green.
The Green Building Council of Australia can support schools to improve the environmental performance of new and existing buildings.
- Download a fact sheet about the Green Star - Education v1 tool, or download the tool for free
- Buy a Green Star Education v1 technical manual
- Register to attend a Green Star training course
With the help of Green Star and sustainable building practices, students of the future will learn a new set of 3Rs - reduce, reuse and recycle.
