Year of Action

The world we live in is changing rapidly. We are continually bombarded with stories about carbon emissions, water shortages, melting ice-caps and environmental degradation. But there are also stories of people embracing the challenge of sustainable living. You and your school could become one of them.

Imagine a school where everyone cares – about themselves, each other, and about the planet; now and in the future.

Now imagine a school where this caring touches everything it does – what and how pupils learn; how the school manages its physical environment and resources; how staff and pupils relate to each other; how they work with their local community – and how they reach out to the wider world.

What you are imagining is a ‘Sustainable School’ – a place committed to helping prepare the next generation of decision-makers to shape a better future.

National Framework for Sustainable Schools

Many schools around the country have already taken up the sustainability challenge. To help others get started, or keep the momentum going, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has introduced a ‘National Framework for Sustainable Schools’ structured around the following 'Doorways':

• Food and drink
• Energy and water
• Travel and traffic
• Purchasing and waste
• Buildings and grounds.

You will find a growing range of resources available to support you as you take this Framework forward – check out the DfES TeacherNet site at www.teachernet.gov.uk/sustainableschools for news.

Support from WWF

WWF also has its own ‘pick & mix’ of projects to help you get involved: whether you are just starting out on your sustainability journey, or have been involved in this area for some time, we have projects and resources to help you every step of the way.

It's your school, our world, get involved!