Sustainability Themes

NRM Education, in conjunction with a large network of partner organisations, is able to offer support across a wide variety of sustainability themes. For example, we support schools via the DECD Sustainable and Attainable school audit tool and web resource.

Climate change

A key social driver of community concern and motivation to take action which is linked to all of the other themes listed below. NRM Education aims to support schools tackling climate change by helping them learn about and take appropriate action. Climate change is a complex threat that requires us to develop a big picture response capable of dealing with and connecting all the key aspects of the problem.

Water

Ongoing drought and climate change concerns have heightened the importance of water quality and the availability of water resources. NRM Education raises awareness of waterways and the habitat value of healthy catchments. Through the 'Engaging with Nature' program, schools and community groups monitor water quality, macroinvertebrates and native fish in our waterways. Water conservation in schools and family homes is a key government message that NRM Education will help deliver.

Biodiversity

The NRM Education 'Engaging with Nature' program enables schools to link classroom learning to actions in school yards through biodiversity audits, the development of School Environmental Management Plans (SEMPS) and on-ground projects, such as creating frog ponds or gardens using locally native plants.

Energy

The DECD Sustainable and Attainable resource will enable schools to undertake energy auditing and conservation measures. NRM Education assists schools in the use of this resource.

Waste

Wipe out Waste is the key service provider in this area. NRM Education supports Wipe out Waste and other leading service providers to deliver key messages and programs. Establishing MOU’s with those providers and developing the ability to discuss waste issues with schools is the model for how NRM Education will develop a strategy around this theme.

Food

Includes issues such as environmnetal impacts of food choices, seasonal eating, organic gardening, chemical use, healthy eating, packaging and recycling / compost. NRM Education is developing a relationship with the Community Gardens Association about opportunities for them to take a key role in teacher training and networking. School community gardens will become an important element of schools as community hubs.

Transport

The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure is the lead government agency with programs developed for schools such as the ‘Walking Bus’ and ‘Safe Routes to School’. Establishing an MOU with this provider and developing the ability to discuss transport issues with schools is the model for how NRM Education will develop a strategy around this theme.

Air

School concerns around air quality are currently dealt with by the Environment Protection Authority through its ‘Air Watch’ program. Establishing an MOU with this provider and developing the ability to discuss air quality issues with schools is the model for how NRM Education will develop a strategy around this theme.

Purchasing

How schools acquire goods and services and the decisions they make when doing so represent an important learning opportunity. The purchasing issue engages management bodies in schools and represents a high level holistic approach to sustainability. NRM Education develops tools and case studies that encourage schools to factor sustainability into decision making processes when purchasing services and goods.

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