Sustainable Schools: Changing Society Towards Sustainability

Abstract

A change in mindset has taken place in educational institutions, characterised by a growing awareness of sustainability and environmental aspects. Inspired by the UNESCO Global Action Programme, various ministries have allowed to be certified as a School of Sustainability at different levels, albeit on a voluntary basis and without substantial integration to date. As a good example, the implementation process towards a certified School of Sustainability was monitored to promote a change towards sustainability. It was a holistic process that encompassed various areas of school life. Sustainability was not only related to normal school lessons but anchored cross-sectionally. A strategy was developed and opportunities were identified to overcome major challenges to promote long-term change and to permanently integrate principles of sustainability into everyday school life. Projects were defined and divided into three complexity levels of implementation according to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The cross-sectional education for sustainable development (ESD) was established as a holistic school development approach. The school developed itself into a sustainable organization so that what has been learned is put into everyday practice. The everyday school setting with sustainability multipliers became key to changing the mindset of families and thus society as a whole towards greater sustainability. As demonstrated, a concrete implementation concept helps educational institutions to find financial resources and organisational structures, whereby staff qualification and mandatory (not voluntary) certification is key to achieve ‘ESD for 2030’.