ACTSmart Schools

What is ACTSmart Schools?

ACTSmart Schools is the ACT Government’s implementation of the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative (AuSSI). The AuSSI is a partnership of the Australian Government, the States and Territories that supports schools to work towards a sustainable future.

ACTSmart Schools is a whole-of-school approach, to improve the school's management of resources and facilities including energy, waste, water, biodiversity, school grounds, products and materials. It also addresses educational, social and economic issues associated with the sustainable management of a school.

Every school in the ACT is currently working towards becoming an ACTSmart School. These schools have committed to becoming more sustainable and are working with their whole school community to reduce their ecological footprint.

Who can participate?

Any ACT school (Government or non-Government) can sign up to ACTSmart School's Sustainable Schools initiative.

How does my school benefit?

Schools involved in ACTSmart Schools are provided with:

• support and training to develop a School Environmental Management Plan, which provides a framework to manage waste, water and energy more sustainably;
• support to conduct water, waste and/or energy audits and a review of school grounds;
• professional development for staff linking sustainable schools to the ACT curriculum 'Every Chance to Learn'; and
• access to support programs and a range of resources for staff and students.

Schools that reduce their ‘ecological footprint’ become an accredited ACTSmart School, receiving a certificate and library resources.

Find out more and get your school involved

If you would like more information or would like to engage your school in ACTSmart Schools:

• contact the ACTSmart Schools Officers on 6207 5812 or 6207 6430, or
• visit the ACT Sustainable Schools website