Framing principle

This badge acknowledges schools that are champions of environmental education, climate action, and sustainability practices both inside and outside the classroom. It celebrates innovation, measurable impact, and the empowerment of students to drive positive environmental change within and beyond the school. 

Criteria For Earning This Badge

1.    Whole-School Sustainability Integration

Does the school embed sustainability through its leadership and culture, across the school campus and across its curriculum?

• Demonstrates a holistic, school-wide commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Integrates climate and sustainability topics across multiple subjects and grade levels.
• Incorporates green practices into school operations (e.g., energy, waste, food, transport).
• Leadership and governance structures actively promote sustainability as a core value.

2. Environmental Education and Student Empowerment

How does the school engage students in deep, meaningful learning about climate and the environment?

• Offers robust, age-appropriate environmental education aligned with local/global issues.
• Fosters critical thinking and problem-solving around sustainability.
• Equips students with knowledge and skills to take informed climate action.
• Encourages youth-led initiatives and peer-to-peer learning in environmental spaces.

3. Community Engagement and Impact

How does the school engage with families, local communities, and external partners to amplify environmental impact?

• Collaborates with community members, local authorities, or NGOs to promote sustainability.
• Extends education and action beyond campus through advocacy, workshops, or outreach.
• Demonstrates measurable or visible impact on local ecosystems, communities, or policy.

4. Innovation and Climate Action Leadership

In what ways does the school pioneer innovative solutions or lead in environmental action?

• Implements creative, replicable programs or technologies (e.g., climate resilience, green tech).
• Demonstrates leadership in climate action at local, national, or global levels.
• Serves as a model or mentor school for others in sustainability practices.
• Encourages student or staff participation in climate research, campaigns, or policy dialogue.

5. Measurable Outcomes, Monitoring, and Continuous Improvement

How does the school track its environmental progress and commit to ongoing improvement?

• Uses metrics to assess ecological footprint, student learning, and program effectiveness.
• Sets clear goals and benchmarks for environmental performance and literacy.
• Demonstrates transparency and accountability through reporting or audits.
• Continuously adapts and scales successful practices based on results and feedback.

APPLY FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY CATEGORY