Sustainable schools in the ACT

Our initiatives help all schools take small steps towards climate action. Water, waste and energy are areas where schools can help save the planet. See how schools across the ACT are improving their sustainability. Find support, resources and pitch for funding.

Be a sustainable school

ACT schools are paving the way on climate action and building community resilience.

The free Sustainable Schools Program is open to all ACT schools and supports actions through taking a whole school approach to:

  • improve sustainability
  • take climate action
  • reduce emissions.

By using the easy-to-follow framework across the school’s operations, curriculum, and community, the program can help your school:

  • manage energy, water and waste
  • increase and protect biodiversity
  • attain sustainability star certification.

Sustainable Schools Program has partnered with Sustainability Victoria to implement their award-winning program and online platform (SSP Online) across our ACT schools.​ SSP Online will allow schools to choose actions, create goals, and track their sustainability progress, all in one spot.​

Climate Choices Schools Awards

We love to celebrate schools and their achievements in sustainability. We do this through our Climate Choices Schools Awards.

We acknowledge schools when they:

  • adopt sustainable energy use strategies
  • adopt smart water use
  • adopt effective waste and recycling systems
  • increase biodiversity
  • reduce transport emissions.

Find out about the 2023 Climate Choices Schools Awards.

Ride or walk to school

Our Ride or Walk to School program makes encourages kids to keep active while reducing their carbon footprint. Learn about safe cycling, walking and scootering.

Recycle right

Having a public event at your school? Get free advice, signage and equipment from the Sustainable Event Program.

Single-use plastics

Schools must now use either reusable or plastic-free alternatives to single-use plastics. This includes cutlery, drink stirrers and expanded polystyrene takeaway food and beverage containers. Use:

  • metal, bamboo and wooden cutlery and stirrers
  • paper, cardboard, compostable and aluminium containers.

Use reusable options where possible at your school.

Community gardens

Your school’s P&C may be eligible to apply for funding as part of the Community Garden Grants.

Food Waste

Getting organic waste sorted in schools is a great way to teach kids about the importance of waste reduction and ensure your schools is making an impact.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.