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 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

• 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.
  • Learn how Ascham school is reducing waste
  • 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
• Nature Play for Early Learning
  • Michelle Carrick - presentation slides(PDF, 2MB)
  • Mary Boyd - presentation slides(PDF, 14MB)
  • Resource list(PDF, 86KB)

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.

Find out if your school's using too much water. Sydney Water's WaterFix Schools program could lower your school's water bill and boost sustainability. More details here.

School Case study

Learn how Ascham school is reducing waste in 2024.

Council services

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. 

Find ideas for projects through the EcoSchools program.

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

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.

Case studies:

• NSW Department of Education schools - look up details of your school's sustainability projects such as LED lighting upgrades here.
• Ascham school at Edgecliff is the proud recipient of a Highly Commended award in 2024 NSW Sustainable Schools Awards program. With rooftop solar, a renewable energy power purchase agreement, waste reduction and sustainable building projects they offer lots of inspiration for other private schools.
• Solar My School - Council's solar program for schools has now closed. To see all the local schools we've supported and learn more about the program visit the Solar My School website.
•  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.

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

• For bush tucker gardens Indigigrow is a local not for profit organisation offering support to schools.
• Woolworths / Junior Landcare garden grant
• Cooling the Schools from Greening Australia

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.