Hands-on learning opportunities
Green schools inspire and engage students with environmental issues. A green school is an interactive teaching tool, educating the next generation of sustainable leaders through hands-on learning.
At Williamstown High School in Victoria, the school's green design and principles create a unique learning setting and help students to develop a greater appreciation for their environment.
The Bond University Mirvac School of Sustainable Development, one of six education facilities in Australia to pilot the Green Star Education rating tool, has created a 'Living Laboratory' and self-guided building tour to teach students, staff and the community about the environmental attributes of the facility, such as the building's solar passive design and orientation, building services, cyclist amenities, water treatment system and energy generation.
Other schools around Australia are recognising the learning opportunities that green schools present for students. Imagine the benefits of students:
- learning about renewable energy from the solar panels and wind turbines incorporated into a school's design
- emphasising water conservation from a school's rainwater tanks and greywater recycling facilities
- taking responsibility for their school's carbon footprint by monitoring water, gas and electricity consumption on screens around the school
- growing their own organic vegetables to eat for lunch
- understanding biodiversity and their local ecosystems by caring for their school grounds.
A green school provides a daily lesson in the importance of environmental sustainability to Australia's future.
