Green Schools Nova Scotia is the information hub for a pilot program that aims to create a culture of sustainability in Nova Scotia’s schools. Seventeen schools are taking part in the Green Schools Nova Scotia program, which builds on the positive things that are already happening in school, helps to identify areas that need attention, and facilitates plans and actions in each school.
The program, funded by Efficiency Nova Scotia and delivered by Clean Nova Scotia, looks at eight elements of sustainability: water and waste, energy, grounds and gardens, transportation, food, purchasing, learning, and operations. It carries out school sustainability audits (walk-about assessments) and interviews with administrative and custodial staff to assess practices and behaviours at each school. From the findings, Green Schools helps to identify priority areas that can benefit from attention and change, and provides sustainability audit reviews to schools. Student-driven environmental clubs then work with supportive teachers and custodial staff teams to set a course for short and long-term planning for implementing sustainability at their schools.