Schools and community organisations are local leaders in sustainability education and climate action. Learn how they are making a difference today.
Schools are vital in educating our community about sustainability and climate change, and schools themselves present opportunities for climate change solutions.
Council has been a participating partner in the Solar My School program and has supported Heathcote High School on their solar energy journey. This initiative supports local energy generation and reduces emissions for the community, as well as delivering savings for schools and learning opportunities for students. The completion of the Heathcote High 71kW solar system means:
- A 25% reduction in school energy bills
- Enough power to run 451 computers or 16 homes
- Reduction of carbon emissions by 80 tonnes (equal to taking 28 cars off the road).
Students can help reduce our communities' emissions, reduce traffic congestion, and improve their health and well-being by walking or cycling to school. Council has supported the Cycling to School program which focuses on improving children's confidence in cycling skills and road safety awareness.
If your school is unsure what sustainability projects to implement Getting Started with Sustainability in Schools is a great resource for teachers and students alike.
If your school is already on the sustainability path, consider participating in Council's Youth Week Climate and Biodiversity Forum, or joining Speaking 4 the Planet (S4P), an arts-based competition that encourages school students to get creative and engage with environmental and sustainability issues.
Walled garden. Everything is great! Green! You have food! Until the walls come down. You see what is truly happening. Grey Rainbow. Lifeless looks. A wasteland. Perhaps we are living walled up.
Concerns raised during our Youth Climate Forum 2023
There are a variety of sustainability-minded community organisations active in our area.
The Reconnect Project promotes a circular economy in NSW, refurbishing used electronic devices and providing them to people in need, helping to divert e-waste from landfill.
Electrify Bundeena is promoting the community transition from fossil-fuels to clean energy in homes and transport.
SOShire is a community driven network of individuals, businesses and organisations all working together for a sustainable Sutherland Shire.
Shire Climate Action Network (ShireCAN) is a community of Sutherland Shire residents dedicated to climate action. ShireCAN connects like-minded people to share issues and work constructively to support sustainable initiatives and the transition to a net zero economy and lifestyle.
Check the below grant programs to see if your school or community organisation is eligible,
- NSW Education is providing funds through the Sustainable Schools Grants program to public schools and preschools that link their sustainability-focused projects with the NSW curriculum.
- iPromise Grants offered by Tradies, help implement sustainability projects.
- Shire Climate Action Network with the support of Tradies are aiming to assist community groups to install solar, saving on the costs of installation. For further information see Shire Tradies Community Groups - Solar Expression of Interest
Since 2023 Sutherland Shire Council has hosted a Climate and Biodiversity Forum for Year 8 to 10 High School students from across the Sutherland Shire and beyond as a part of its NSW Youth Week programme.
The Climate and Biodiversity Forum creates a space for like-minded students to come together, learn, participate in activities and workshops and exchange ideas.
The collaborative structure of the day empowers the students to take action on climate change, biodiversity loss and other youth environment and sustainability issues, such as eco-anxiety.
The Climate and Biodiversity Forum also enables our youth to have direct input into real actions, such as the forthcoming Sutherland Shire Climate Strategy and the forthcoming Resilient Sydney Resilience Strategy.
Participating schools and students are also given the opportunity for continued support for school-based projects from our network of local environmental mentors.
In 2024, the Youth Week Climate and Biodiversity Forum won the 2024 LGNSW Excellence in Environment Award Division C in the Communication, Education, and Empowerment category.
What's SummerSPOT? The summer holidays are long, and that's why we love them! If you're looking for something to do check out our different SPOT environment and sustainability activities and projects.
You can do these by yourself, with friends or family, or in your school and community groups.
Curious about solar panels on your home, school, or business? With all this sunshine around summer is the perfect time to jump into the SunSPOT platform to explore solar energy!
You can enter your address and electricity usage from your bill, and SunSPOT will help you work out:
- What size solar system would you need?
- Is your roof too shady?
- Should you get a battery?
It can also let you know how much you will save on your electricity bills.
A great place to start your solar journey and see what's possible on your patch.
Is your street, driveway, garden, home, school or business feeling the heat this summer? You can borrow a Sustainability kit from one of our library branches to find out just how hot these spots are.
The kits contain a thermometer and thermal imaging camera which can show you the impacts and differences in heat in all these spaces and places. This can help you decide where to plant new trees for shade and cooling, remove heat absorbing pavers, install insulation, or other home improvement options.
The kit also has a power-mate lite you can use to see how much energy your appliances are using!
Establishing a sit spot is an easy and relaxing way to connect with nature this summer. The aim of this activity is to slow down find out what’s happening in the environment around you.
All you need to do is pick a safe, comfortable spot close to nature to sit in, and return to it at regular intervals at different times of the day. It could be daily, a few times a week, once a week, it’s up to you! It might be a spot in bushland, your back garden, or a balcony or patio with a good vantage point.
Take snacks, water and sun protection. Set your phone to silent, pop it away and engage your senses. Bring a notebook to record observations like sounds, textures and scents, the weather, movements of animals and birds, or changes in plants and trees.
Take your time, embrace patience, and let the landscape reveal itself to you! This activity can be adapted to any age range and ability.
Useful links
- Community Grants and Subsidies Program - For not-for-profit organisations in the Sutherland Shire.
- Cycling to School program - Focuses on improving children's confidence in cycling skills, and road safety awareness.