Sustainable schools
Council runs a range of sustainability events and programs for schools and early learning centres located in the Woollahra area to educate and engage the next generation.
Register below to receive our school sustainability e-news each term with event reminders, grant announcements and free offers for schools. Make sure you add your organisation name so we know that you're from a local school.
Sign up for School Sustainability Newsletter
Local programs to support your sustainability projects and teaching
Expand the headings below to find out more about our local programs and grant opportunities.
Eastern Suburbs Sustainable Schools Network (ESSSN)
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 2025 meetings
- Term 1 - Rockpool Exploration for Educators - Monday 17 March at Bondi
- Term 2 - Build a Pond - Tuesday 3 June
- Term 3 - Theme TBC - Wednesday 20 August
- Term 4 - TBC
Register here for upcoming sessions.
Resources from previous meetings
Environmental Grants
Environmental Grants support local environmental projects. They are open to all local schools, non-profit early learning centres and community organisations for projects that protect and enhance our local environment.
- Small grants of up to $3,000 and
- Large grants of up to $7,500
What can be funded?
There are many types of projects that may be suitable for environmental grant funding. Council has an ongoing focus on climate change action and we encourage projects that help reduce carbon emissions and minimise waste. Examples of projects that may be considered for Environmental Grants include:
- Energy saving initiatives e.g. solar installations or LED lighting upgrades
- Water saving initiatives e.g. smart sprinkler systems or water tanks
- Waste minimisation/recycling initiatives e.g. reusable plates and cups for canteens
- Habitat support e.g. clean-up activities on beaches or in reserves or bush regeneration
- Biodiversity projects e.g. small bird habitat gardens, bush tucker gardens or native bee hives, and
- Cooling your school through tree planting.
- Active transport projects e.g. installing bike racks for student use.
Where can I find more information?
Go to our Environmental Grants page for full details of our grants policy, guidelines and links to application forms when the round opens.
Waste, composting and recycling education
School Case study
Learn how Ascham school is reducing waste in 2024.
Council services
Special event recycling service
- We can provide up to 5 free recycling bins for the collection of plastic/glass bottles and steel/aluminium cans at special event days like fetes, discos, festivals etc.
- Council's Waste Officer is also available to provide advice on waste management for special events.
Free E-waste collections
- We can collect e-waste from your school for recycling.
- E-waste we can take includes televisions, computers, keyboards, printers, mouse, monitors, laptops, tablet devices, cables and other related computer parts and equipment.
- Make a booking by calling Council on 9391 7962 or email records@woollahra.nsw.gov.au
Free waste minimisation workshops
- Workshops include composting, worm farming and recycling for all ages. The information can be tailored to suit the needs of the students based on their curriculum requirements.
- Other educational activities include conducting classroom waste audits and providing information for school's environmental management plans.
- Complete this application form.
Discounted compost bins and worms farms
- We can provide a compost bin and/or worm farm for schools and advice and/or workshops for the students and teachers.
- Schools and community organisations can order up to 5 compost bins or wormfarms delivered free. Order today through Compost Revolution - the online tutorial is great for kids and teachers alike. Place a separate order for each bin and include your organisation’s name in the address so we know you are not a household.
Other opportunities for schools
Other recycling opportunities schools could participate include recycling mobile phones and printer cartridges and organising the collection of second hand items like toys, clothes and books for charities and/or not for profit organisations.
For more information about sustainable waste management in schools, contact Council's Waste Projects Coordinator on 9391 7966.
More about school waste management
School waste and recycling is the primary responsibility of the Department of Education for our state schools. NSW Government contracts allow for recycling including food and garden organics.
You can find out more about the current NSW contract here.
Greening your school - Tree Day
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.
Other support can be sought through
School visits and project advice
Council’s Environmental Education Officer and Waste Projects Officer are available to visit your school or centre and deliver sustainability presentations or provide support to your school's sustainability team for project planning. Themes include:
- waste and recycling
- composting and worm farming
- urban wildlife
- creating habitat for small birds
- energy audits and action.
Complete the application form.
Reduce your school's carbon emissions
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.
Solar My School
Our Solar My School program is no longer running as we have supported most of our local schools to install solar.
To see all the schools we've supported and learn more about the program visit the Solar My School website.
Resources and other organisations