Procuring greener schools

Project inception

It is essential to consider sustainability at the very outset of the project if the benefits are to be realised in a cost effective manner. Key issues to consider are:

Project Vision

Establish a specific vision and set of targets / goals at the start of the project. There needs to be a commitment to achieving these which starts with the governing body and school principal and needs to be communicated to and shared by the entire project team. Without this commitment, it is likely that other decisions and priorities will intervene and derail the sustainability objectives. While there will be many other goals and priorities for the project it is important that sustainability be clearly established from the outset in the project value system. In setting the project vision input from staff and students should ideally be sought to generate enthusiasm and buy-in for the sustainability objectives.

Targets / Goals

Targets and goals should be performance-based and measurable. They could refer to specific rating tools (e.g. achieve a 4 star Green Star – Education rating) or define a % impact reduction against business-as-usual (e.g. reduce water consumption by 30% compared to standard practice). Goals and targets should specify performance goals rather than prescribe specific solutions so that they don’t constrain the range of ideas and solutions available to the project from an early stage.

Setting the ESD Budget

During the project inception and into concept design stages realistic budgets must be allocated for green building design, construction, commissioning and handover requirements to ensure outcomes can be achieved. This is typically between 2.5% to 4% of project budget (refer to Independent Schools Victoria Guideline 3: Budget Considerations for Sustainable Schools for further guidance). It is also important to consider, where appropriate, the costs of trialling or researching new ideas and technologies as these may require additional funding (and may be eligible for additional grants – refer Funding opportunities for further details).

Funding & Partnerships

Identify opportunities to obtain additional funding / grants or if the project can tie in with other initiatives (e.g. partnership with businesses, suppliers or local authorities which can have positive outcomes for both parties). Refer to Programs & Funding for guidance on some of the many grants and programs available to support sustainability in schools.

Further information can be found at:

Massachusetts High Performance Green Schools Guidelines: Planning (PDF)

Addresses the needs of school officials such as superintendents, administrators, business officers, facility planners, board members, interested parents, and others who are engaged in the process of planning new school facilities. It describes the benefits and characteristics of high performance schools, as well as reviewing the planning process, design, and approval for high performance schools. It also discusses the programs available to supplement funding and provides two case studies of high performance schools in Massachusetts.

La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School – London

Most schools recognise the benefits of giving pupils a say in how their school is run, but how many would go as far as allowing them to design their perfect classroom?