Sustainability in schools starts with passion, but lasting impact requires strategy, persistence, and collaboration. Ben Rich, an educator and sustainability leader, has embedded environmental action into school culture, from leading Montclair Kimberley Academy to three Green Flag Awards to improving recycling rates and spearheading energy efficiency upgrades. Here, Ben shares key lessons on engaging school leadership, empowering students, and turning small wins into systemic change.

San Domenico School in San Anselmo, California, has become a model for sustainability, running on nearly 100% renewable energy, eliminating single-use plastics in the cafeteria, and transforming its acre-sized garden into a thriving hub for hands-on learning. Under the leadership of Sustainability Director Shelley Flint, the school has introduced solar energy through a strategic, step-by-step approach, transitioned to a fully reusable dining system, and embedded environmental stewardship into school culture. Shelley shares her insights on how small, strategic changes can build momentum for lasting impact.

The Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS) in Barcelona, Spain, has earned the Green Flag award for sustainable education, cut paper use by 50%, eliminated single-use plastics in the cafeteria, implemented Meatless Wednesdays, and installed solar panels, recycling bins, and a rooftop garden while reducing electricity consumption by 14%. Rose Scavotto, currently leading sustainability efforts at BFIS, shares some fantastic tips to help other schools achieve their sustainability goals.

With nearly two decades of experience in school sustainability leadership roles, Frank Barros has worked to make schools more efficient and environmentally responsible through data-driven decision-making and student engagement. Frank has learned what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to driving change. Here, he shares the practical insights and lessons with the Green Schools Alliance.

Dina Tucker has had success in starting school sustainability programs from the ground up in both Texas, USA and Dhaka, Bangladesh. In a conversation with the GSA, she shares invaluable insights gleaned from her diverse experiences.

The emergence of a dedicated role for a ‘School Sustainability Coordinator’ is a testament to the growing importance of environmental stewardship within academic institutions. Tori Fay from Chadwick School in California USA has over a decade of experience in steering school sustainability efforts, and has initiated the official staffing position at her school. Here, she shares her journey and learnings with the Green Schools Alliance. 

How one school collaboratively developed an aspirational mission statement for their school’s environmental sustainability – one that would not only define the school's sustainability goals, but also foster a sense of collective responsibility among stakeholders and drive momentum for action.