Sustainable schools

The Eastern Suburbs Sustainable Schools Network is a support network for all schools and early learning centres in the Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick council areas. Teachers with a passion for sustainability meet at a different school each term to share current projects and learn about the resources, events and programs available to help.

Dates and themes for 2024 meetings

• Marine Life - 19 March
• Bush Tucker - 18 June
• Composting - 27 August
• Networking and Project Ideas - 3 November

Register here for upcoming sessions.

Resources from previous meetings

• Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub - local native plants from Indigigrow
• Reducing canteen waste - online resources from Sustainable Schools NSW
• Supporting School Green Groups - online resources from Sustainable Schools NSW
• Citizen Science
  • Download a range resources here(DOCX, 24KB) .
  • See this Citizen Science article for more ideas.
• Waste in schools. This includes an update on new waste contracts for all NSW public schools (2021).
  • View our workshop recording here
  • Resource List(PDF, 106KB)
  • Return and Earn - presentation slides(PDF, 2MB)
  • Bin Trim - presentation slides(PDF, 1MB) - relevant for private schools
• Cool Schools - How to Combat Rising Temperatures at Schools
  • Cooler Schools Report - identifying hot areas
  • Cooling Schools program Greening Australia
• Climate Clever and Cool Australia resources. View our workshop recording here.
• Nature Play for Early Learning
  • Michelle Carrick - presentation slides(PDF, 2MB)
  • Mary Boyd - presentation slides(PDF, 14MB)
  • Resource list(PDF, 86KB)

Council supports local schools and preschools to get their hands dirty on Schools Tree Day.

Contact us to learn how to apply for plants for your school's tree day planting.

Council supports schools and preschools to become sustainable through simple waste minimisation strategies including providing free compost and worm farms for use at the school sites through our Compost Revolution program.

School recycling is the responsibility of the Department of Education through state contracts. You can find out more about the current contract by viewing this webinar from 2021.

You can request a waste education session for your school through this application form.

Solar My School is a free Council program to help local schools navigate a path to solar success, from start to finish.

To see all the schools we've supported and learn more about the program visit the Solar My School website.

Council’s Environmental Education Officer and Waste Projects Officer are available to visit your school and deliver sustainability presentations or provide support to your school's sustainability team. Themes include:

• urban wildlife
• creating habitat for small birds
• energy audits and action
• waste and recycling.

Complete the application form.

Find ideas for projects through the EcoSchools program.

Step 1. Design and implement a project to reduce your emissions.

This case study from Redlands School(PDF, 734KB) in Cremorne is an inspiring example of how to make a difference. The school reduced their energy use and emissions from lighting by 68% by installing LED lights.

Step 2. Monitor your emissions and see how your school's emissions change after your project.

Platforms are available to monitor the impact of your projects.