Resources & Inspiration for Schools

We are always looking for schools that can inspire us and showcase what is possible. We also continue to look for practical resources to help schools make high-impact changes. We will publish some of our favorites here. Reach out if you have suggestions to build this list!

Whole School Sustainability Framework

The Center for Green Schools and the US Green Building Council commissioned this project at the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University. It is a great reference for schools at any point along their sustainability path.

EcoSchools Canada

EcoSchools helps schools set goals and provides a huge array of teacher and student-led activities to help achieve those goals. Schools can aim for Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum levels each school year.

What’s Your 2040?

The documentary 2040 takes us on a journey of “fact-based dreaming”, looking at what life might be like in the year 2040 if we implement solutions largely described in Project Drawdown. It is highly engaging, accessible and designed to prompt discussions at home, at school and in our communities about what we might be hoping for in 2040. This film is Australian, and they have created a number of resources including suggested lesson plan ideas, all for free on their website.

Trinity College School

This school has received many national and local awards for their long-standing commitment to sustainability and their broad range of innovative projects across all aspects of their school program and operations. They are a wonderful source of leadership and inspiration.

Hawai’i Preparatory Academy

HPA is another leading example of a school with a comprehensive strategic approach to sustainability across all aspects of their school, and an innovative dashboard of metrics.

6 Principles of a Just Recovery

When we talk about sustainability, it is crucial that we talk about how to build a future that lifts everyone up. Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by the consequences of the climate crisis. Schools are working on diversity, equity, inclusion and justice – and the sustainability plan should be part of that plan. Non-profits and other organizations around the world have endorsed these principles.

Environmental Justice 101

As we work on diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, we need to recognize how these issues overlap with the climate crisis. Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by the consequences of the climate crisis. We have too many examples in Canada, including the over 100 indigenous communities that do not have clean drinking water.

This article gives a very clear picture of the intersection between social and environmental justice. Though this article is about the United States, the lessons are highly relevant for us in Canada.

International Living Future Institute

They manage the Living Building Challenge and Living Community Challenge, and a whole suite of programs focused on regenerating our planet. Their mission is to catalyze the transformation to a socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative world.

Project Drawdown

This collaborative effort of scientists around the world presents the solutions that already exist to achieve the point where we start drawing down green house gas emissions. It has many free resources, including a short video-based course, and a set of programs for schools. 

Creating Hope through Inspiring, Practical & High-Impact Sustainability Plans Webinar