10 Environmental Research and Passion Project Ideas for High School Students

students sustainability projects

By Alex Yang

Graduate student at Southern Methodist University

5 minute read

study of underwater environment

As our planet faces ever-increasing environmental challenges, there is a growing need for individuals who have the knowledge and the desire to make a positive impact on the environment.

Why High School Students Should Study Environmental Topics

High school students and their generation are in a unique position to learn about environmental science. Growing up in a world that is increasingly threatened by climate change, younger generations have a passion for learning more about the environment - they sense the urgency of the issue and want to take action.

A 2021 study by Deloitte found that climate change and environmental issues were the top concerns for GenZ, ranking ahead of unemployment and healthcare.

Sustainability projects for students hold immense significance in your educational journey and are important for these reasons:

Fostering a lifelong love for the environment : By engaging in passion projects, students develop a deep and lasting connection with the environment. They become more aware of the world's ecological challenges and are inspired to become lifelong stewards of planet Earth.

Building critical problem-solving skills: Environmental science projects require students to analyze complex issues, gather and interpret data, and propose solutions. These critical thinking and problem-solving skills are not only valuable in academia but also in future careers.

Making a tangible impact: Passion projects empower students to make a real-world impact. Whether it's researching phytoplankton blooms or studying the ecology of viruses, their efforts contribute to our collective understanding of environmental issues and potential solutions.

Preparing for future opportunities: Many universities and scholarship programs value passion projects as indicators of a student's dedication and initiative. These projects can open doors to higher education opportunities and scholarships.

Personal growth: Beyond academic benefits, passion projects promote personal growth . Students learn to manage their time, set goals, and work independently; all are essential skills for success in any field.

Environmental Science Project Ideas For High Schoolers

If you’re interested in learning more about topics related to ecology, sustainability, conservation, climate change, green energy, or environmental impact and implications, consider using one of the eco-inspired ideas on this list as the focus for your research or passion project.

1. What triggers phytoplankton blooms off the Southern California coast?

Investigate the environmental factors that trigger the growth of microscopic algae, or phytoplankton, along the Southern California coastline. You will analyze publicly available datasets of physical, chemical, and biological data, including nutrient concentrations, temperature, and algae abundance, collected by scientists. Through statistical analysis, you will identify the key factors that influence phytoplankton blooms. 

2. The ecology of viruses

Dive into peer-reviewed scientific articles and discuss how changes to our planet might affect the dynamics of a virus of your choice. Can global warming really make pandemics more likely? If you're interested in applying to public or private agencies for fellowships or scholarships, this project is the perfect opportunity to showcase your talents and stand out from the crowd.

 3. Wildfire impacts on forest regeneration and carbon storage

The devastating wildfires currently plaguing the United States are causing both ecological and economic damage. In this exciting project, learn how to use publicly available online resources, such as GIS databases of fire history and forest plot inventory, to analyze the effects of wildfires on seedling and sapling density. You can also learn/use R programming to perform basic statistical analyses and create stunning maps showcasing important information, such as fire frequency, vegetation, and carbon storage.

4. How to create a sustainable business

Interested in the intersection of sustainability and business? Review criteria for Environmental, Social, and Governance. Look at successful businesses with high scores and see how that could apply to a new company. Think through the product and overall business and create a presentation to pitch the company to investors.

5. What makes a weed a weed?

Have you ever noticed how weeds manage to thrive in the most unexpected places without any care, while it can be quite challenging to keep a houseplant alive? Explores the secrets of these resilient hitchhikers and uncover valuable insights that we can apply to our own plant care practices.

6. African rainfall and climate: responses to a warming world?

More than a billion people rely on the African monsoons as their primary water source, making it essential to comprehend how human-caused global warming may impact rainfall patterns. Explore how environmental factors, such as ocean temperatures and wind direction/speed, impact African precipitation over time.

7. Fashion with a purpose: reduce, reuse, and recycle

Interested in fashion design? The aim of this project is to promote awareness about climate change through fashion design. Use various materials such as trash, recyclables, repurposed items, and second-hand materials to create your own items that look great and are good for the environment! 

8. Research paper on species invasion

A major cause of global biodiversity loss is the introduction of invasive species (such as lionfish and zebra mussels) outside of their natural habitats. Investigate a specific invasive species, and analyze: 1. the cause(s) of species introduction in a novel geographic region, 2. the environmental factors contributing to its success, and 3. how the invasive species impacts its new ecosystem.

9. Climate change and coral reefs: what threats are our coral reefs facing?

Coral reefs are under multiple "stressors" including ocean acidification, global warming, pollution, and overfishing. How are these threats affecting coral reef ecosystems and what are the consequences of one or all of these "stressors"? What are some practical solutions that can help save our coral reefs? What groups, governments, or companies can get involved to help out?

10. Trash talk: ways to reduce laboratory waste

Every year, laboratories produce 12 billion pounds of plastic waste. A great project would be to explore ways that laboratories can reduce plastic waste by using glass pipettes, recyclable gloves, or other equipment, while still ensuring the equipment is sterile.

Working With Polygence to Complete Your Environmental Project

Projects can be very fulfilling and allow you to develop your passion for a particular topic, and help you make decisions like choosing your college major . Further, these projects offer a lot of flexibility in terms of what the final product can actually look like, and provide you a great edge in the college admissions process .

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of discovery and environmental impact? Polygence offers a unique opportunity for high school students like you to dive deep into your passion for environmental science.

Work with an expert mentor to explore your passion

At Polygence, we precisely match you with a mentor in your area of interest. Together, you can explore and deepen your passions.

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Examples of Environmental Projects Completed by Polygence Students

Austin’s project: How Switching to Sustainable Practices in Large Companies or Small Companies Can Positively Affect Their Business and Corporate Social Responsibility

Cecilia’s project: The Impact of Climate Change on Animal Behavior: The Arctic Marine and Monterey Bay Ecosystems

Clara’s project: How Will a Lower Population of California Sea Otters Disrupt the Ecological Balance in Monterey Bay?

Connor’s project: Research Paper on Rising Global Temperatures and Increased Forest Fires

Eda’s project: How Does Exposure to Environmental Toxins During Key Developmental Stages Affect One’s Risk of Getting Breast Cancer Later in Life?

Suraga’s project: Measuring the Efficiency of Greenhouse Gases

Tridib’s project: California in Flames: A Literature Review on the Causes and Effects of Wildfires

What The Polygence Program Provides

Our program connects you with expert mentors in environmental studies who will guide and support you throughout your project. Whether you're intrigued by phytoplankton blooms, virus ecology, wildfires, sustainable businesses, or any other environmental topic, Polygence provides the platform to explore your interests fully by:

Creating your own research or passion project: Tailor your project to match your specific interests and schedule. Your project is uniquely yours.

Receiving expert guidance: Work closely with knowledgeable environmental science research mentors who will provide valuable insights and expertise to ensure the success of your project.

Showcasing your final product: Polygence offers options to explore multiple topics or present your final project. Share your findings and discoveries with the world.

Don't wait to turn your passion for the environment into a meaningful and impactful environmental passion project. Join Polygence and take the first step towards exploring your passions, making a difference, and gaining an edge in your educational journey.

Related Content

How to Brainstorm Your Way to Perfect Research Project Topic Ideas

The Importance of Showcasing Your Research

Environmental Science Research Projects at the 8th Symposium of Rising Scholars

Climate Science and Advocacy Internships and Programs

Environmental Studies Research Opportunities for High School Students

Summer Volunteer Programs for High School Students

Your Project Your Schedule - Your Admissions Edge!

Register to get paired with one of our expert mentors and to get started on exploring your passions today! And give yourself the edge you need to move forward!

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Going Green: 8 Activities to Teach Sustainability in Your Classroom

students sustainability projects

Schools across the nation focus on building skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. This mindset encourages learners to  apply  their knowledge.

People of all ages are inspired by the idea of making the world a better place. By incorporating sustainability in your classroom – both as a mindset and as a pedagogy – teachers like you are inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards and shaping students into global citizens.

What is Sustainability?

The United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development states: “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , “sustainability is based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.”

Here are some ways you can infuse sustainability into your classroom:

“Green” Your Lessons

Sustainability boils down to using resources wisely to ensure the ongoing capacity to maintain life and provide for future generations. By providing engaging content and hands-on activities, and leading through example, teachers can empower learners to take an active role in the sustainability movement.

Below are some suggestions for easy-to-do activities with a sustainability theme for middle school students from PLT’s PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide . Use these activities to supplement your curriculum for teaching core subject areas including not only science, but also math, reading, writing, social studies, and more.

Each PLT activity is designed to guide learners through the process of awareness, understanding, challenge, motivation, and action by developing skills such as observing, analyzing, problem-solving, and decision making.

students sustainability projects

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Activity 14 – Renewable or Not

Students often do not know which resources are renewable and which are nonrenewable, or which are recyclable or reusable. In this activity, students will learn what these terms mean and discover why sustainable use of natural resources is so important.

Activity 37 – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

By taking a look at their own trash, your students will learn a lot about how and why they throw things away. Students will also conduct a service-learning project, and in doing so, find ways to cut down on the waste they produce and improve how waste is managed in their community.

Activity 83 – A Peek at Packaging

Nearly everything we buy comes in some sort of package. Packaging, made from a variety of renewable and nonrenewable resources, is necessary to protect an item, keep it fresh, make it tamper-proof, and make the item easy to transport and store. In this activity, students will examine the pros and cons of different packaging strategies.

Here are more ideas to incorporate reducing, reusing, and recycling:

  • Appoint a “recycling monitor” to remind classmates of ways items can be recycled and reused.
  • Explore how to reduce single-use plastic  to protect the environment.
  • Up-cycle classroom scraps to create models, artwork, and projects.  Try some of these animal art projects made with recycled materials.
  • Engage your class in a Waste & Recycling Investigation to determine how much waste their school generates and where it goes, and get them to design a project to start or expand school-wide recycling and composting efforts.

Save Energy

Activity 39 – Energy Sleuths

There are different sources of energy. Some are renewable; some are nonrenewable. In this activity, your students will learn about the different sources, advantages, and disadvantages to their use, and how energy is used in their daily lives.

Activity 73 – Waste Watchers

Energy seems easy to use, but obtaining it is often not easy on the environment. When we reduce the amount of energy we use, we decrease the pollution that results from producing that energy. In this activity, your students conduct an audit of the energy they use in their own homes and create an action plan to reduce energy use.

Teaching your students about energy does not need to be complicated. It can be as easy as modeling ways to use resources wisely:

  • Lead a discussion to assess where in the classroom electricity might be being wasted and remind your students to turn off and unplug devices when they are not being used.
  • Replace traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
  • Help students understand how the choices they make have an impact on the planet using an online “ carbon calculator .”
  • Engage your class in an Energy Investigation to determine how much energy their school uses, the primary sources of that energy, and ways to implement energy-saving strategies.

Inspire Sustainable Attitudes

Activity 19 – Viewpoints on the Line

This activity is designed to get students thinking about their own views while also listening to those of their classmates. It helps students explore the underlying assumptions that shape our opinions.

Activity 86 – Our Changing World

Patterns of change are evident in the Earth’s global systems, particularly as they relate to both energy and resources. To help students see how changing one aspect of our world affects others, students make a graphic organizer connecting natural resources, energy, and human activities. They also research a global issue, thereby gaining an understanding of some of the issues facing us today as a global society.

Activity 92 – A Look at Lifestyles

By examining the historical attitudes of American Indians and American pioneers toward the environment and natural resources, students can reflect on their own lifestyles, and identify trade-offs between simple subsistence and the modern technology-based living.

Be careful not to bombard students with the doom and gloom of growing environmental concerns. Focus on examples of change that are having a positive impact:

  • Share success stories such as ways environmental policies and movements have reduced pollution or reversed diminishing populations of unique organisms.
  • Share examples of  how young environmentalists have made a difference .
  • Share examples from other Green Schools to inspire your students to design and complete an action project to improve their environment and health.

More Resources

Want more ideas, in-depth training, and ready-to-use activities and lesson plans for your classroom? Check out these resources:

  • Attend a training with PLT , either in person or online.
  • Register (for free!) to access PLT’s GreenSchools Investigations and become a PLT GreenSchool
  • Visit  Green Teacher , another non-profit organization dedicated to helping educators, both inside and outside of schools, promote environmental awareness among young people. 
  • Look at the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (a call for action by all countries to promote prosperity while protecting the planet) and 10 key actions we can take in our daily life to tackle climate change. Check out these Student Resources for learning about sustainable development from an early age.

Teachers play a vital role in preparing students to meet future challenges. But as the old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” Leading a sustainable lifestyle and sharing your journey with students will be one of the most powerful ways you can inspire a new generation of environmental stewards and leaders.

Rebecca Reynandez

Rebecca Reynandez

One comment on “ going green: 8 activities to teach sustainability in your classroom ”.

Thank you. These are great resources for our unit on energy.

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PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide – Activity 51, Make Your Own Paper

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Programs, projects and campaigns

SOS International delivers its own student-led programs, projects and campaigns on sustainability and social justice, and we offer a platform to our members for scaling theirs. Read about each by clicking on the logos below or scrolling down.

Portfolio items are tagged with topics: #curriculum change, #advocacy, #student leadership, #social justice, #behavior change, #community engagement, #ranking, #cross-cutting

SOS International’s portfolio

Sos international members’ portfolio, in the spotlight: current programs, projects and campaigns to engage with now, additional programs, projects and campaigns you can replicate, teach the future.

teach the future

Why do we need climate education? The current and future generations of students are going to grow up in a world greatly affected by climate change . We deserve to be taught about this so that we can understand the impacts we will face. We must be equipped with the skills to live sustainably so that we can limit the progression of climate breakdown as much as possible. Teach the future is the first campaign to address this issue from a student perspective, on a national scale .

How students are involved

Teach the Future is led by students from all parts of the education system (from secondary school to university) who want to fight for climate education. Students create social media content, plan campaign strategies, meet with Members of Parliament, fundraise, write blog posts, communicate and collaborate with supporting organisations, speak at events and so much more. The volunteering experience is made as accessible as possible, because everyone has different strengths and abilities.

Why it’s in SOS International’s portfolio

Teach the Future is co-organized and supported by SOS International member SOS-UK. It has been run in England (since October 2019) and Scotland (since July 2020), and is soon to launch in Wales. The campaign can be easily replicated due to its uncomplicated structure, the many open-source resources available, and the high potential for local youth to get engaged.

How you can run the program

SOS-UK is happy to support you in running Teach the future in your country.  They are currently putting together the resources for delivery outside of the UK. These will published soon. In the meantime, please find the resources for England here and Scotland here .

Want to know more?

  • Have a look at the presentation below
  • Read all about it on www.teachthefuture.uk 
  • Contact Grace and Josh , campaign managers at SOS-UK

Sustainability Week International

Sustainability Week International

Higher education is a key moment in time to increase awareness on sustainable topics among young people. By organizing a sustainability week, we can make a change together , empower students all over the world and build a resilient and strong network of changemakers .

Sustainability week is driven and run by student volunteers. By organizing a sustainability week, you develop student leadership, soft and hard professional skills and sustainability competences, while taking the opportunity to network within and beyond your own institution.

Sustainability Week International is a member of SOS International. Since the concept was established in Switzerland in 2013, it has grown to become an international network. Being part of SOS can help it spread even more globally.

The international network for student-led Sustainability Weeks at higher education institutions supports local teams all over the world. They provide documents that help you to start a Sustainability Week at your higher education institution. Furthermore, an international experienced student advisor will support your organization. Find the resources here .

  • Read all about it on www.sustainability-week.org
  • Contact Marie-Claire , president at Sustainability Week International

Sustainability Week International team

Migrant Minds Matter

Migrant Minds Matter

Migrant Minds Matter seeks to promote unrestricted access to third-level education and comprehensive and meaningful supports for those living within the Direct Provision in Ireland, asylum seekers , migrants and those who are undocumented . Direct Provision is a system of asylum seeker accommodation used in the Republic of Ireland. The system has been criticised by human rights organisations as illegal, inhuman and degrading. 

This campaign has a particular focus on access to third level education for those within the Direct Provision system, migrants, asylum seekers and those who are undocumented within Ireland. A large amount of work has been done in Ireland to highlight the inhumane Direct Provision system in Ireland , yet little with a particular focus on access to higher and further education in Ireland. This is where the Migrant Minds Matter campaign aims to make a difference.  

As part of Migrant Minds Matter, students are invited to engage in a number of actions from a list of resources on 10000students.ie , including signing and promoting a petition to the Government, buying merchandise which is supporting an education fund within MASI and recording an action they’re going to take within their own campus. The campaign itself is partly run by students.

This campaign is jointly run by SOS International member the Union of Students Ireland ( USI), in collaboration with STAND and the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) . The campaign has the potential to be replicated in countries outside of Ireland.

This joint campaign involved three national organizations and focused on supporting local and national actions with a joint website platform. This campaign is developing further to include a focus on decolonisation of the curriculum. If you are interested in running Migrant Minds Matter in your country, USI can help you realising this.

  • Read all about it on www.10000students.ie/migrantmindsmatter
  • Contact Marie , Vice President for Equality and Citizenship at USI

Migrant Minds Matter

Responsible futures

Responsible futures NUS

Sustainability isn’t just doing the recycling properly. We need an education system which creates graduates who meet the challenges of the century ahead, not repeat the mistakes of the century behind us. We’ve developed this externally-assessed accreditation mark to assist all institutions in helping students to gain the skills and experience they need to thrive as global citizens.

The Responsible Futures framework facilitates a close working partnership between students’ unions and their institutions through a selection of criteria drawn from good practice across the sector.  Partnerships take part in a cohort with other participating institutions and share resources and learn together as they proceed through the accreditation. When ready, partnerships are audited by a trained team of students. Accreditations are awarded and remain valid for two years.

The partnership model of Responsible Futures requires institutions and their Students’ Unions to work collaboratively and to transform their education provisions for sustainability both strategically and through an embedded approach. This way, students co-create the learning experience at their institutions. 

Students also gain specific leadership experience through the programme by being trained to conduct their partnership’s Responsible Futures audit bi-annually to attain and retain accreditation.

Responsible Futures is currently delivered by SOS International member SOS-UK at 30 universities and colleges in the UK. They are in the process of launching an international Responsible Futures and are seeking partnerships to take part. 

Partners can join the programme at any time and it generally takes 2-3 years before they feel ready to be audited. SOS-UK can provide you with all the support and resources needed to run the program. You can find information about the annual membership fee here .

  • Watch the webinar below
  • Learn all about it on www.sustainability.nus.org.uk/responsible-futures
  • Contact Meg , senior project manager at SOS-UK

Sustainability Influencers

Sustainability Influencers

The Sustainability Influencers program achieves its goals by fostering interaction between students and professionals , organizing workshops and events , and involving key sustainability practitioners.

The Sustainability Influencers program empowers students to become future leaders in sustainability. It is a volunteer and educational program that runs for 5 months. 21 ambitious students who are from multiple educational backgrounds and who wish to make a sustainable impact in the world, are selected. Through the program, students gain extensive knowledge on the  Sustainable Development Goals and their applicability. They get to use the tools provided by the program to mobilize, engage and empower other students to act on various areas regarding sustainability.

Sustainability Influencers is a program by SOS International member Station – a Student & innovation House , and is currently run in Denmark for the 3rd year in a row.  The program offers a learning journey for students involved and eager to contribute to a more sustainable world. It can be easily implemented in other student environments as the core idea is to build capacity on sustainability knowledge, to partner up with key stakeholders and to apply this knowledge to make a difference in local communities. 

Station is happy to support you with advise and materials in running Sustainability Influencers in your institution or country. The program requires a team of coordinators with knowledge of project management, sustainability and partnership-building, who can support a pool of committed young individuals. Station has engaged a team of 5 student coordinators, who dedicate 5 to 10 hours per week to this program. Their budget for one program cycle of 5 months is 45.000 DKK (€6000 / £5400 / $7400). 

  • Read all about it on www.sdgadvocates.dk
  • Contact Luna and Shantell , project coordinators at Station

Sustainability Influencers team

Student Switch Off

Student Switch Off NUS

The campaign provides easy ways for students to incorporate sustainability into their lives and to encourage their community to do the same. It encourages students to take personal action on the climate crisis.

Students are given opportunities to take part in regular social media competitions, on-site activities and training to become campaign ambassadors.

Student Switch Off is offered by SOS-UK, a member of SOS International. It is currently delivered in the UK, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania and Romania.

SOS-UK can deliver the programme at your university. The programme can be run over a whole academic year or for a designated period of time. All activities are currently being run virtually, and we can also support you to run face to face activities as required. You can find more information and sign up to hear the details here . SOS-UK can also work with you to create a bespoke student engagement campaign to fit your requirements.

  • Read all about it on  www.studentswitchoff.org
  • Sign up via this webpage and receive more information

Student Switch Off group picture

Lobby for Climate

Lobby for Climate Change the Chamber logo

The campaign hopes to make deep and long-lasting change by focusing on the actions of the U.S. Chamber. By changing the behaviors of this entity, it is possible to remove one of the central barriers to climate progress . Lobby for Climate uses many different methods in order to achieve their goal: direct communication with companies, social media storms, informative blogs and reports, etc.   

A key element of accountability is public exposure. The campaign is coordinated with student groups and other organizations internationally to get the word out, primarily through social media. The hashtags #LobbyforClimate and #ChangetheChamber are used to amplify the message. Students and youth who want to become more involved can apply to be members of the core team. 

Change The Chamber is supported by SOS International member The U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development. Although the campaign is focused on a U.S. entity, the actions of the Chamber of Commerce have a direct impact on climate legislation passed in the U.S., which has world-wide effects . Many of the Chamber’s member companies sell their products and services internationally, and the greater the international support is, the more likely the Chamber will listen to the pressure . 

So far, Change the Chamber has contributed to the Chamber’s radical shift to supporting a market-based price on carbon emission in January 2021 and supporting the United States’ rejoining the Paris Agreement. The campaign has reached 68+ million across social media while receiving public support from U.S. senators and congressmen , as well as from notable environmental organizations such as Public Citizen and Sierra Club.

The current team’s efforts are on-going with the greatest need for support in amplifying tweets and posts on social media. They also accept monetary donations for any legal work they may require in the future. 

  • Read all about it on  www.changethechamber.org
  • See the slides below
  • Contact Nina , international outreach manager at Change the Chamber

Lobby for Climate Change the Chamber

Carbon Targets 

Carbon targets

We know that in order to have any hope of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees we need to commit to and start delivering bold targets and this campaign creates a resource where students and staff can easily compare commitments from different institutions , learning from each other and striving to set ambitious targets and action plans.

The campaign is aimed at students, giving them the tools and information to call upon their universities and colleges to set, or improve, their carbon target. 

The campaign is also born from national policy, passed by students at the National Union of Students (UK) conference in 2020. The policy mandated NUS and SOS-UK to “research and publish every university and college’s carbon reduction plans and compare them like for like [and] support student campaigners and officers and laggard institutions to call for their institutions to commit to being net-zero by 2030.”

Carbon Targets is run by SOS-UK , an SOS International member . It is included here as a potential blue-print for campaigners to use to push for ambitious carbon targets in educational institutions.

Organisations can use the methodology developed by SOS-UK to apply to the targets that are collected. The campaign requires initial research into institutional carbon targets in order to populate the resource.

Some communications work needs to be done to launch the resource and spread the word, and the campaign requires some ongoing monitoring to update targets and support students using the resource.

  • Read all about it on www.carbontargets.uk
  • Contact Mel , campaign manager at SOS-UK

What Can I Do About it?

students sustainability projects

The website is run by and for students.

Why it’s in SOS international portfolio?

“What Can I Do About It?” is in partnership with SOS International and SOS-UK, with goals for the website to be used by SOS members and students worldwide.

How can you contribute to this program?

Upload your campaigns, programs, projects, and events , by filling in this form ! If you are interested in collaborating, email [email protected]

students sustainability projects

#ActOnYourClimateScience

students sustainability projects

The key actions steps of the campaign include: 1. The coalition develops the campaign and recruits national campaign coordinators (NCC). 2. NCCs get training and support in our academy to start and run the campaign nationally. 3. The campaign pushes thousands of HEIs to take action in line with science and equity.

Campaign Goals by COP27

  • Launch campaign nationally in 30 countries
  • Have 1000 HEIs sign the Climate Framework
  • Advocate for science-based targets internationally, taking into account equity
  • Release an international student-led climate ranking
  • Develop an international student action paper

Students and student-led organizations are organizing and implementing this global campaign, including an international ranking of HEIs. Students are the lifeblood of universities and colleges, and therefore have the power to push for this change.

Climate Students Movement International is an SOS International member , and works together with SOS members and other partner organizations to gain a global reach for this campaign.

  • Spread the campaign in your networks
  • Join the campaign as a national campaign coordinator
  • Join one of the campaign teams focused on the framework, academy or ranking
  • Read more at climatestudents.com/campaign/
  • For more information, you can email [email protected]

SustainaBul (national ranking)

students sustainability projects

The ranking is organized by students on an annual basis, by sending and analyzing surveys sent to all higher education institutions in the Netherlands. They do receive support from academics in implementing the program.

As an SOS International member, Studenten voor Morgen (Students for Tomorrow) delivers this program in the Netherlands. This type and scale of classification, completely initiated and voluntarily executed by students, cannot be found any place else in the world.

How can you run to this program?

The program can be replicated by other national student sustainability organizations. Get in touch with Studenten voor Morgen and they will be happy to help you set it up in your country.

  • Read more at https://www.studentenvoormorgen.nl/en/sustainabul/
  • For more information, you can email [email protected]

Duurzame Introductie Tijd (Sustainable Introduction Time)

students sustainability projects

Participating student associations upload photos / videos of their sustainable introduction days to a special facebook-page. A jury will then decide which activity was the most effective, the most playful and the most popular. For inspiration, see the Facebook-page

As an SOS International member, Studenten voor Morgen (Students for Tomorrow) delivers this program in the Netherlands since 2014. The program can easily be replicated by other national student sustainability organizations.

Run the program in your country!

  • Read more at https://www.studentenvoormorgen.nl/en/sustainable-introduction-stunt/
  • For more information, you can email [email protected]

Greener Academia

students sustainability projects

Students are an integral part of science as they form the next generation of scientists. Nevertheless, student attendance at large scientific conferences is usually small since registration fees, flight costs and accommodation are very expensive. As the GreenerAcademia petition calls for virtual participation options students can profit from scientific exchange in a larger community.

This petition can be amplified globally by SOS International members, helping to make science more inclusive and sustainable.

You can help spreading the petition by sharing our petition with other students, sustainability groups, scientists etc: change.org/GreenerAcademia

Moreover, you can support us on social media: twitter.com/AcademiaGreener

If you know about large scientific conference that offer no virtual participation option, please contact us and we will address them: [email protected]

  • Contact the GreenerAcademia team via [email protected]
  • See below a presentation about the petition.

Green Switch Academy

students sustainability projects

Through over 1300 student members of our various clubs across higher institutions in Nigeria, other students, local and international get to know about the academy and register their interests. Also, through our robust social media platforms, other categories of people get to know and register their interests. So far, the Academy has witnessed participants from over 33 states in Nigeria and a few from other African and European countries.

This academy can be amplified globally by SOS International members .

We will work with other groups or organisations who may be interested in taking their members or a select audience through the Academy.

Want to add to our portfolio?

If you have a proven and impactful program, project or campaign on sustainability and/or social justice and you are able to help others implement it, we offer the platform to do so.

Get in touch

Want to know more? Contact us!

  • research (e.g. survey)
  • SOS International membership
  • general information

Privacy Overview

Center for Teaching

Teaching sustainability.

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students sustainability projects

What is Sustainability?

Tips for teaching sustainability.

  • Interdisciplinarity

Place-Based and Project-Based Learning

Teaching with ecological footprints, vanderbilt and local resources.

What is sustainability?  What do we want to sustain?  An important part of teaching sustainability issues involves keeping these questions always open and alive.  Sustainability offers a novel framework for asking enduring philosophical questions: What is the good life?  How do we create a better world?  Thinking and teaching about sustainability are future-oriented projects, but the relevance of sustainability principles and practices must be articulated in the present.

The term “sustainability” has an important history in development literature.  In 1983, the United Nations convened the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), known informally by the name of its chair, Gro Harlem Brundtland.  The Brundtland Comission’s report, Our Common Future (1987), contains one of the most often cited definitions of sustainability:

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two key concepts:

• the concept of ‘needs’, in particular the essential needs of the world’s poor, to which overriding priority should be given; and

• the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environment’s ability to meet present and future needs.”

The scope of sustainability is frequently described as including three spheres – social, environmental, and economic.  To use an accounting metaphor, sustainability projects must be evaluated according to a “triple bottom line” of social, environmental, and economic responsibility.  A Venn diagram depicts the interdisciplinarity of sustainability as a field of inquiry:

Sustainability is at once an integrative discipline and a multidisciplinary project; it has statistical, scientific, and humanistic dimensions.  With its focus on specific problems and particular solutions, sustainability suggests place-based and project-based approaches to student learning.  Teaching towards sustainability also reminds us that pedagogy is a civic project; there are important ties between classroom and community.

Beth Conklin , Vanderbilt University Professor of Anthropology, offers various suggestions for using ecological footprint calculators well and for teaching about sustainability issues generally:

  • Beware of Student Overload .  The rhetoric of urgent and global environmental crises can overwhelm students when they consider the immensity of the problems humanity face and the difficulties involved in coping with them.   These feelings of cognitive or emotional overload can cause students to feel disengaged, disempowered, and even resentful, which can disrupt the learning process.
  • Avoid Doom and Gloom .  While teaching students about the many challenges to environmental sustainability will necessarily introduce some risk of overload, teachers can limit this by being sure to discuss environmental success stories.  For example, this may include discussion of environmental policies or movements that have succeeded in mitigating pollution, conserving resources, or promoting ecological resiliency.  Whatever the success, incorporating them into courses can help students envision a future that is shaped by their agency, and avoid any descent into cynical resignation or fearful reaction.
  • Focus on Quality of Life Issues .  Students facing the emotional overload of environmental problems can easily feel that their entire lifestyle is threatened by resource limits and the environmentalists who champion living simply.  Educators can sometimes add to this sense of threat by taking a moralizing, prescriptive, and unyielding approach to more sustainable lifestyles.  An alternative approach is to engage students by discussing their definitions of happiness and a quality of life, and whether they are correlated with high levels of consumption and resource use.  If students reflect prior research findings ( Consumerism and its Discontents , To Do or to Have? That Is the Question ), they will often argue that the two are not highly correlated, providing a basis for a positive discussion of alternative lifestyles and social changes associated with them.
  • Peer Engagement and Support .  Engaging students in group discussions and projects in which they have the opportunity to dialogue and support one another can help to alleviate these feelings of overload.  It also can allow for the moments of problem-solving, debate, analysis, teamwork, and reflection that are so crucial to developing the critical thinking and leadership skills students need to face complex problems.
  • Student Analysis of Data .  Students may learn more about a given environmental problem by wrestling with empirical data for themselves, rather than receiving pre-digested analyses from lectures or secondary sources.  In doing so, they will not only grapple with methodological and theoretical issues of data analysis and presentation, but they will be empowered to examine environmental issues with greater nuance and insight.
  • Deconstruct Eco-rhetoric .  Spend time investigating the historical origins and often conflicting uses of environmental terminology such as “sustainability,” “environmentalism,” “stewardship,” “nature” itself, and other language.  This will provide valuable teaching moments about the historical development of environmental studies, and it will empower students to examine environmental problems and solutions more critically.
  • Precautionary Principle .  Succinctly defined, the precautionary principle states that, if an action risks causing harm to the public or the environment, and there is no scientific consensus that it is indeed harmful, the burden of proof that it is NOT harmful falls on those taking the action.  An often debated principle, it provides a useful starting point for class discussions of how to make decisions under conditions of uncertainty.  It also offers an opportunity to discuss policy options regarding resource use and the tradeoffs between potential environmental harm on the one hand, and economic or political costs on the other.
  • Embrace Interdisciplinarity .  A critical and thorough understanding of issues related to environmental sustainability necessarily involves contributions from a wide variety of disciplines throughout the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.   This may be daunting for students and educators alike since it often requires us to think outside of our intellectual expertise.  Doing interdisciplinarity well can be a challenge, but it becomes easier with a more effective use of resources on one’s campus community and beyond, such as team teaching with a colleague from a different discipline, organizing guest lecturers from across campus, or bringing in guest speakers from the local community.  Mostly, however, it requires a courage to step out of one’s comfort zone and explore topics that will enrich the learning experience for our students and that will stimulate us to think in new ways as educators.

Interdisciplinary

Teaching sustainability is both exciting and challenging because of the interdisciplinary nature of the problems at stake.  When teaching these issues, instructors are often working outside their own areas of expertise.  How do you bring new content knowledge into the classroom without overburdening yourself?  Ways to build interdisciplinary classrooms include:

Guest Speakers:

  • Guest speakers extend the boundaries of the classroom, helping students to see the course as a part of a larger network of ideas and conversations.
  • The expert’s visit presents an external motivation for students to engage with readings and assignments.
  • Careful planning can help to ensure that guest contributions will enhance student learning.
  • Let guests know ahead of time the topic of the course and how their visits fit with the themes of the class.
  • Assign students to submit questions in the expert’s area of interest.
  • Avoid presentations; invite the expert to class to participate in an interview instead.
  • Consider inviting guests with opposing views.

Cooperative Learning:

  • Take advantage of students’ diverse disciplinary and experiential knowledge.
  • See also the new book, Cooperative Learning in Higher Education: Across the Disciplines (2010), edited by Barbara Millis and published by the National Teaching and Learning Forum.

Teaching towards sustainability lends itself to place-based and project-based approaches to pedagogy.  Although sustainability is a global goal, its problems and solutions are always importantly situated in local ecologies and communities.  Instructors might consider taking a “bioregional” approach to teaching about place, encouraging students to think about their local watershed as a meaningful way to conceptualize community.  In addition, focusing on sustainability solutions requires the cultivation of an imaginative experimentalism – the difficulties involved in transitioning to a more sustainable world can only be worked out in the process of formulating practical alternatives to the problems at hand.

Field Trips

Field trips bring people together in ways that go beyond traditional classroom experiences.  Planning the logistical details of a field trip take time and foresight, but the rewards of a well-planned field experience can make it worth the effort.

  • Be sensitive to time and place; it is impossible to plan for every contingency, but keep in mind the variability of seasonal weather.
  • Don’t plan every minute of the trip.  Create time for observation and “poking around.”
  • Create solo time – consider having students bring a journal; offer the option of a reflective writing assignment.

Campus as Sustainability Classroom

Encourage students to think of the campus as a sustainability laboratory.  Assign projects that allow students to create solutions to sustainability issues they identify in their own dormitories and dining halls. Get in touch with your campus sustainability coordinator to brainstorm projects and to help connect students with existing campus resources and organizations.

Classroom and Community

There is an important relationship between the university and the larger community of which it is a part.  Teaching about sustainability is, in large part, a civic education.  Instructors can encourage students to see not only their campus, but also the city and countryside in which it is located, as a sustainability classroom.  Assign projects that help students to map and engage with sustainability issues and initiatives in the community.  Consider assigning students to attend a city council meeting and write a response.

The CFT has a teaching guide on service learning for instructors considering incorporating action research and community engagement into their courses.

Using ecological footprints calculators is one valuable starting point for educators wishing to engage students in important dialogues about wide ranging issues of environmental sustainability and resiliency.  Ecological footprints are calculations of natural resource use that assess environmental impacts.  Typically they measure levels of resource consumption relative to resource availability, and they may be scaled to address the consumption of individuals, campus communities, cities, or entire nations.

There are two general types of calculators, “Ecological Footprint” calculators that attend to resource use across many resource categories, and those that are more specific to individual resources, most notably “Carbon Calculators.”  Ecological footprint calculators are more complex since they address a broader diversity of natural resources and their uses, and they typically measure resource use against the total amount of resources available, thus accounting for some approximation of the natural limits to consumption.  Carbon Calculators are measures of carbon resource consumption and are particularly useful as they pertain to one of the most significant environmental threats and policy issues of our time, namely climate change.  They arguably are also good proxies for resource use generally since fossil fuel use is deeply embedded in all forms of consumption.  Usually carbon calculations do not involve a measure of the total natural stock of carbon-based fuels or other resources, although their results may be analyzed in the context of levels of atmospheric pollution thought necessary to curb such problems as climate change.

Footprint Calculators

There are many varieties of ecological footprint calculators.

  • Among the most reliable are those associated with the Global Footprint Network , the largest and most respected assemblage of expertise on ecological accounting.  Collectively, the GFN has developed the largest and most complex datasets, and have set the standards by which roughly ninety percent of ecological footprints are calculated.
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Household Emissions Calculator
  • The Conservation Fund’s Go Zero calculator
  • Bonneville Environmental Foundation
  • Chuck Wright’s Carbon Calculator
  • SafeClimate sponsored by the World Resources Institute
  • American Forests calculator
  • TerraPass , a carbon offsets provider
  • For a comparative study of these Carbon Calculators conducted by Vanderbilt University’s own J. Paul Padgett, John H. Clarke, and Michael Vandenbergh, along with University of Washington’s Anne Steineman, please consult “A Comparison of Carbon Calculators.” 2008. Environmental Impact Assessment Review . 28: 106-115.

Classroom Uses of Footprints

The teaching moments afforded by footprint calculators are many and may be found in courses across the disciplines:

  • Making the invisible visible .  Much of our consumption and its many environmental impacts are not immediately obvious since they are obscured by our limited knowledge of any number of complex extraction and production processes.  Ecological footprints encourage investigation and discussion of these processes and thus afford many opportunities to consider more fully human impacts on the natural world.
  • Ecological literacy .  Footprint calculations can give us a window into the ecological processes on which our ways of life depend, and thus provide occasions to discuss natural resource and waste management, particularly resource depletion, renewal, and toxification.  Indeed, one benefit of footprint calculations is that they account for natural limits to resource use and therefore help students to attend to the overconsumption of natural resources, or “overshoot,” and its implications for future generations.
  • Social literacy .  Examining any ecological footprint will inevitably lead to investigations of the development of social systems – political, economic, and cultural – that shape human consumption and production.  This will give students chances to achieve greater social literacy by learning such things as population demographics, consumption trends, economic development models, and policy priorities, just to name a few.
  • Lifestyle choices .  Ecological footprint calculators provide a unique feedback mechanism to students about the impacts of their consumption and the lifestyle associated with it.  These highly personal choices – from diet to energy use – can be emotionally loaded and thus difficult to discuss.  But when done tactfully, discussion of personal consumption can yield profound learning moments and new intellectual inquiry for the future.  Among the most interesting questions is to what extent individual or household consumption can help solve problems such as climate change, something Vanderbilt researchers, Amanda Carrico, Mike Vandenbergh, and Jonathan Gilligan have researched with Paul Stern, Gerald Gardner and Thomas Dietz. Read their paper “Energy and Climate Change: Key Lessons for Implementing the Behavioral Wedge.”
  • Environmental history .  As footprint calculations are conducted over time, we may have more accurate assessments of cumulative impacts and thus have a clearer sense of how human society has shaped the natural world, and vice versa.
  • Inequality .  Footprint calculations compared over individuals, groups, or entire nations can provide a basis for wide-ranging discussions of inequality in resource use and waste, as well as the cultural, political, and economic systems that structure them.
  • Policy analysis .  More precise ecological accounting inevitably leads to discussions of different regimes of resource management, and thus offers opportunities to debate environmental policy at the local, national, or global level.  Further, because ecological footprints can suggest multiple and highly different models of achieving sustainability, they may foster discussion about a wide range of environmental policies.
  • Future directions .  Ecological footprint discussions often lead to broad yet urgent student questions about how to define and construct a sustainable society.  These are among the most difficult questions to answer because they are weighted with many complexities, uncertainties, and moral quandaries.  Yet, such questions can provide openings for fruitful discussions of ways students may engage in new areas of research, policy, and leadership.

Limitations of Footprints

Footprint calculators are not without their limitations, however.  Even so, the limitations of footprint calculators below afford their own teaching moments.  In reference to Carbon Calculators, Mike Vandenbergh , Vanderbilt University Professor of Law, suggests several limitations are important to consider:

  • Non-transparency .  Carbon Calculators involve many data points and complex calculations.  To make them accessible to a wide audience, they often simplify the results and fail to disclose some of the methods or data sources involved.  This can limit the educational potential of the calculators.  Therefore, it is important to understand the methods behind the calculations and make this part of the teaching process.
  • Limited inputs .  Some calculators are better than others.  Some use too few or unreliable sources of data, while others do not.  Therefore it is important to know the sources and methods of footprint calculations and to encourage students to think critically about them.
  • Lack of context .  Carbon footprint calculations can provide useful measures of carbon emissions, but their relevance is always dependent upon the teaching context.  Thus it is important for educators to use them well and to contextualize their use within specific learning goals of the course and broader disciplinary orientations towards questions of sustainability.
  • Skepticism .  Many students may regard footprint calculations skeptically for a variety of reasons: the publicity and persuasiveness of climate change skepticism, the personal threat they may feel to their lifestyle, or the challenge they may feel to their political identity, just to name three.  However, a critical, comprehensive, and not selective skepticism is something to be encouraged in students, and these reactions present teaching moments about the challenges of critical thinking and of the difficult choices posed by global environmental problems.

Ecological Footprints Resources

The Global Footprint Network supports the shift towards a sustainable economy by advancing the Ecological Footprint, a measurement and management tool that makes the reality of global limits central to decision-making.  Ecological footprint projects can be an effective way to get students thinking about how sustainability intersects with their lives.

The latest results from Vanderbilt’s Green House Gas Emissions Survey may be especially useful for Vanderbilt faculty who wish to incorporate campus operations and sustainability into their courses.  Some interesting highlights:

Vanderbilt University’s total carbon footprint for 2009 is approximately 464,240 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2E), a 2.4% decrease since 2005.

Of this total, 39% is electricity purchased from NES, 23% is from coal use at the VU power plant, 19% is from faculty and staff commuting, and 14% is from natural gas use at the VU power plant.  This is represented in the pie chart below:

students sustainability projects

Carleton College’s Science Education Resource Center (SERC).  A broad and multifaceted program, SERC is home to various resources and links that may be of use, including the Climate Literacy Network , the Pedagogy in Action website , and Teaching the Earth , among other valuable sites.

“The Ecological Footprint: Accounting for a Small Planet,” a film produced by Bullfrog Films in 2005, features Dr. Mathis Wackernagel and is a good introduction to natural resource accounting.  Directed by Patsy Northcutt for the Global Footprint Network, it is 30 minutes long.

“ Ecological Footprint Feedback: Motivating or Discouraging? ,” an article by Amara Brook in Social Influence (Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 113-28, 2011), discusses the psychological challenges of motivating students with ecological footprints.  While some students with high personal commitments to environmental sustainability were motivated to take action by their own footprint data, others without such commitments were not.  This suggests at the very least that teaching with ecological footprints requires nuance and intentional discussion of their affective aspects.

Sustainability and Environmental Management Office : The SustainVU website offers an invaluable resource for instructors who want to familiarize themselves with the sustainability landscape at Vanderbilt.  SEMO’s mission is to initiate, promote, coordinate, evaluate, and encourage environmental management and sustainability initiatives that improve Vanderbilt’s impact on the community and environment.

Vanderbilt Biodiesel Initiative : VBI is Vanderbilt’s student-run biodiesel production system, which converts waste vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel that is used by several VU diesel-fueled engines.  One of the byproducts of this process, glycerin, is used to make EcoSuds soap, which is sold at several locations on campus.  VBI aims to educate others about the viability of biodiesel as an alternative fuel.

Vanderbilt School for Science and Math :  The School for Science and Math is a joint venture between VUMC and Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools offering high school students an interdisciplinary, research-centered learning experience.  The School for Science and Math has developed innovative sustainability projects and learning experiences, including a biodiversity inventory of Vanderbilt’s campus, a bioassessment of the Little Harpeth River, and a videoconference with scientists in Hawaii to discuss the Pacific Gyre Garbage Patch.

Tennessee Higher Education Sustainability Association : THESA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting sustainability initiatives taking place within higher education institutions within Tennessee.  It seeks to ensure that the societal movement toward sustainability is reflected in and promoted at college and university campuses across the state.   The THESA website offers information about relevant conferences and other events, resources for instructors, information on model programs across the state, and updates on campus sustainability initiatives in the local news.

Organizations and Journals

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education : AASHE is an association of colleges and universities working to create a sustainable future.  AASHE provides resources, professional development opportunities, and a network of support to enable institutions to model and advance sustainability in everything from governance and operations to education and research.  Vanderbilt is a member of AASHE, with full access to their resources.  Just be sure to use your @vanderbilt.edu address when signing up for an account.

The Association for Experiential Education : AEE is a nonprofit, professional membership association dedicated to experiential education and the students, educators and practitioners who utilize its philosophy.  Their website includes information on relevant books, articles, conferences, and other resources.

The Journal of Sustainability Education : JSE serves as a forum for academics and practitioners to share, critique, and promote research, practices, and initiatives that foster the integration of economic, ecological, and socio-cultural dimensions of sustainability within formal and non-formal educational contexts.  JSE is a peer-reviewed, open-access, trans- and interdisciplinary e-journal.

The Center for Ecoliteracy : The Center for Ecoliteracy promotes the green schooling movement.  The Center is best known for its work with school gardens, school lunches, and integrating ecological principles and sustainability into school curricula.  The Center for Ecoliteracy offers books; teaching guides; professional development seminars; a sustainability leadership academy; keynote presentations; and consulting services.

Going Green on Campus : This site, from Let’s Go Solar, has some useful tools for students to use to consider their campus consumption, resource use, and impact.

Aber, John, Tom Kelly and Bruce Mallory, Eds. The Sustainable Learning Community: One University’s Journey to the Future . New Hampshire, 2009.

Barlett, Peggy, and Geoffery Chase.  Sustainability on Campus: Stories and Strategies for Change .  Boston: MIT Press, 2004. (available in the CFT library)

Blewitt, John and Cederic Cullingford, Eds. The Sustainability Curriculum: The Challenge for Higher Education . Earthscan, 2004.

Creighton, Sarah Hammond. Greening the Ivory Tower: Improving the Environmental Track Record of Universities, Colleges, and Other Institutions . MIT Press, 1998.

Hernandez, Carlos, and Rashmi Mayur.  Pedagogy of the Earth: Education for a Sustainable Future .  Kumarian Press, 1999.

Kahn, Richard.  Critical Pedagogy, Ecoliteracy, and Planetary Crisis: the Ecopedagogy Movement. Peter Lang Publishing, 2010.

M’Gonigle, Michael and Justine Starke. Planet U: Sustaining the World, Reinventing the University . New Society Publishers, 2006.

Murray, Paul. The Sustainable Self: A Personal Approach to Sustainability Education . Earthscan, 2011.

Orr, David.  Ecological Literacy: Education and the Transition to a Postmodern World .  Albany: State University of New York Press, 1992.

Rappaport, Ann and Sarah Hammond Creighton. Degrees that Matter: Climate Change and the University . MIT Press, 2007.

Stibbe, Arran. The Handbook of Sustainability Literacy: Skills for a Changing World .  Green Books Press, 2010.  (available in the CFT library)

Blogs and Podcasts

On March 30, 2010, the CFT hosted a panel discussion on “Sustainability Across the Curriculum.”  See our blog post for a full description of the conversation.  We also recorded the panelists’ comments as a podcast .

Creative Commons License

Teaching Guides

  • Online Course Development Resources
  • Principles & Frameworks
  • Pedagogies & Strategies
  • Reflecting & Assessing
  • Challenges & Opportunities
  • Populations & Contexts

10 student projects from iF design talent award 2021 fight for sustainability

from 50 nations worldwide almost 10,000 ideas and concepts were submitted by students and narrowed down to just 161 ground-breaking projects honored by the iF design talent award 2021 . to celebrate young creatives and their future-oriented works whilst respecting the fight towards an ecological approach, the platform categorizes designs corresponding to the sustainable development goals (SDG) * of the united nations specifically. from egg shells that turn into biodegradable lighting design to structures that like flowers respond to UV index, the concepts prove how budding creativity may hold the key for a brighter future…

out of the thousands of participants and two rounds of judging, the elaborate jury panel awards 161 concepts from which just 13 are awarded with money totaling 50,000 euros. moreover, the lucky students get to have their projects featured permanently on the renowned platform’s website . to reach that stage, and for a complete and fair judgement, each winning design needed to achieve above-average scores in the following questions: does the project solve a problem; does it reflect or promote high moral-ethical standards; does it strengthen group relations; does it make economic sense, and does it create a positive experience. 

name: PSN protective shell university: national taiwan university of science and technology (NTUST), taiwan SDG: 13- climate action

designers: chien-hsun chen, hsiao-yu sun

functioning as a shield, ‘PSN protective shell’ uses a green fluorescent protein to absorb ultraviolet light, making it open and close like a bionic flower in response to the intensity of the UV index. with a higher index, the structure acts like a pavilion providing shade, while at night it becomes an art installation that glows naturally. the design serves a dual purpose- practical and conceptual.

jury statement: ‘this concept creates a moment of well-being for people of all ages while at the same time helping to explain the need to change our ways of living.’

name: dessa university: university of the arts poznan, poland SDG: 12- responsible consumption + production

designer: oliwia ledzińska

the ‘dessa’ furniture system responds to the problem of overconsumption. thanks to a system of easy assembly and disassembly and in accordance with the principles of the circular economy, multiple uses of the same components continue to create new products. the resources come from the users who donate old parts to the company that can then be manufactured and turn into new collections. for the needs of the projects, the designer showcases a special biodegradable material that can be regenerated and recycled.

jury statement: ‘this is a really interesting project. the idea is good, the design process effective, and the result is highly aesthetic.’

name: carbon dioxide purification tower  university: national taiwan university of science and technology (NTUST), taiwan SDG: 13- climate action

designers: han-yu lai, chien-hsun chen, chun-yi yeh

excessive emissions of carbon dioxide have led to increased global warming and extreme climate change, and nowadays industrialization is increasingly affecting human health. to fight this, the ‘carbon dioxide purification tower’ uses biotechnology to decompose excessive carbon dioxide emissions through the use of bacteria and genetically modified e. aureum or devil’s ivy . with this unique new filtering process combined with carbon capture technology, a vision of sustainable resource use is foreseen.

jury statement: ‘the design of the air pollution filter tower would make a fascinating addition to any city skyline. Its static appearance means it can serve as a landmark and visual reminder that we need to change our consumer behavior in order to create a healthier environment. meanwhile, it also quietly works to decompose carbon dioxide emissions and create clean air.’

name: SÊLO university: IED madrid, spain SDG: 12- responsible consumption + production

designer: inés balbás

‘SÊLO’ is the result of an intense process of research and experimentation with waste matter. the continuous accumulation of residues, generated by the linear economy is the main aspect of the project which touches on the recycling materials. from egg-shells to a biodegradable and sustainable material, the designer proves that an easily sourced, light, and local residue can take part in the world of design.

jury statement: ‘wonderful project. the research process to use eggshells as a biomaterial is powerful and the outcome fascinating. also, the video and PDF presentations by students are perfectly realized,’

name: wama drama therapy university: national taiwan university of science and technology (NTUST), taiwan SDG: 03- goodhealth + well-being

designers: fang-ping hsu (ming chi university of technology MCUT), chien-chen lai (NTUST)

used for drama therapy, the ‘wama’ app is used to reduce the spread of pathogens during group activities. with the psychotherapist’s guidance, children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders are aided into reflecting their feelings during role play, whether that is done through the voice changing feature or the drawings on the mask. through the transparent electronic paper for AR as well as external cleaning, the children can play someone else and enjoy the drama therapy session. 

jury statement: ‘this is a simple yet powerful design that has been very well realized. although there is no economic evaluation, this could be understood as a relatively low-cost proposition. work well done.’

name: blue triangle: african latrine aid program university: harbin institute of technology harbin, china SDG: 06- clean water + sanitation

designers: yunhao zhong

inadequate sanitation is one of the leading causes of death in africa. the ‘blue triangle’ program is designed to support hygiene education and the construction and maintenance of efficient, low-cost latrines. firm and light, the project  can easily be carried as a single set by one adult while apart from the squatting pan, all other parts of the latrine can be built using local materials.

name: hávitat university: IED madrid, spain SDG: 10- reduced inequalities

designers: ruth mota villalobos

designed for the elderly or people in palliative care, ‘hávitat’ is a social center that offers the chance to enjoy an active social life. the space balances private and public areas, and includes recreational spaces where the community is invited to participate. despite an unavoidable path, the environment offers the residents a pleasant time with their loved ones.

name: canne university: umea institute of design, sweden SDG: 03- goodhealth + well-being

designers: shuai li

self-directed, low-cost and sustainable; the home-delivery CPR kit ‘canne’ provides people the opportunity to learn the technique while saving timing and medical resources. the corrugated cardboard basic life support (BLS) learning package allows laypeople to master practices like  cardiac arrest identification, chest compression, and ventilation all by themselves. with a self-directed smartphone app the learning experience is enhanced as simulating cardiac arrest scenarios and real-time feedback of compression and ventilation are offered. 

name: a t-shirt is not just a t-shirt university:  university of the arts london, UK SDG: 12- responsible consumption + production

designers: bin li

ever heard of excessive consumption? as luring as businesses make buying seem, unnecessary purchases often leads to higher levels of waste, thus environmental pollution. particularly in clothing, labels only indicate the material and washing instructions, which is often misleading. with loooong labels, consumers can have much more insight into the story of what they wear. the longer the label the more the energy consumption

name: cerberus university: HTW berlin, germany SDG: 12- responsible consumption + production

designers: bernhard büttner, ony yan, arthur worbes

varied types of algae are likely to become a major resource in the future and the ‘cerberus’ cultivation system plans to open up the revolutionary prospect of truly sustainable agriculture or, more precisely, aquaculture. fast-growing algae can be grown for food but also used in medical technology, 3D prototyping, the production of e-fuels, textile processing, and many more applications. although processing technologies are already advanced, little progress has been made in developing systems of cultivation and harvesting. this semi-autonomous system creates a basis for a sustainable working cycle by providing raw material without creating air or water pollution, sparing precious aquatic resources.

jury statement: ‘great design solution that is economically and environmentally feasible.’

if you’re a student and wish to submit your sustainable idea on iF design talent award 2022, mark november on the calendar!

for the first time, designboom and iF design talent award announce together 10 student projects that respond to the sustainable development goals (SDG) of the united nations. 10,000 entries were narrowed down to 75 by the elaborate international jury panel, from which the 13 are sharing eur 50,000 in prize money. from therapy masks for autistic children to a carbon dioxide purifying tower,  we aim to highlight some inspiring, future-oriented and always creative designs from young talents. the companies h aier, samsung electronics, grohe AG, wonderland nurserygoods, compal electronics and dongguan south china design innovation institute are committed to young designers and act as sponsors of this award. to view all the student projects of iF design talent award 2021 winners, visit here .

*sustainable development goals (SDG):

the SDGs are a key element of the UN’s 2030 agenda for sustainable development and were adopted by all UN member states in 2015. they are understood as a universal call to action for emerging and developing countries as well as industrialized nations. what links them all is that they aim to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone and everywhere. in order to honor the important work of the UN, iF design talent award has been adapted to respond to the growing issues.

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150+ Creative Sustainability Project Ideas: Join the Green Movement

sustainability project ideas

  • Post author By admin
  • October 14, 2023

Discover a world of eco-conscious possibilities with our Sustainability Project Ideas. From reducing waste to renewable energy, find inspiration for a greener future.

Our planet has given us so many things. That is why it is quite important for all of us to make the combined efforts in order to make the planet greener and more sustainable.

But how can we make it possible? It can be possible through sustainability project ideas. Yes, you heard it right sustainability project ideas can motivate the people to take active part in order to make the plant greener and sustainable. 

Although most of us are aware of the recycling and saving energy. But in this blog we are going to cover some of the most innovative projects that are making the difference.

These project ideas can help you to explore a lot more about the environment and foster your learning. So let’s get started:-

Table of Contents

Sustainability Project Ideas

Check out sustainability project ideas:-

Energy Efficiency

  • Retrofitting public buildings with energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems.
  • Offering subsidies for energy-efficient appliances and solar water heaters.
  • Promoting community-based wind energy projects.
  • Implementing smart grid technologies for more efficient energy distribution.
  • Providing incentives for industries to adopt cleaner energy sources.
  • Creating awareness campaigns on energy conservation in schools.
  • Developing energy-efficient transportation systems.
  • Conducting energy-saving competitions for households.
  • Supporting research on energy storage and grid stability.
  • Encouraging businesses to implement telecommuting and virtual meetings to reduce travel-related energy consumption.

Waste Reduction

  • Introducing mandatory recycling programs in residential areas.
  • Establishing “Buy Nothing” groups for sharing items and reducing consumption.
  • Implementing a “Pay as You Throw” waste collection system to reduce waste generation.
  • Organizing community-based repair workshops for electronics and appliances.
  • Supporting local artisans to create products from upcycled materials.
  • Offering incentives for businesses to adopt zero-waste practices.
  • Promoting the use of reusable bags and containers in stores.
  • Conducting e-waste collection and recycling drives.
  • Establishing a “Library of Things” for borrowing seldom-used items.
  • Encouraging the adoption of circular economy models for businesses.

Water Conservation

  • Installing rainwater harvesting systems in schools and public buildings.
  • Promoting the use of low-flow faucets and showerheads in homes.
  • Implementing water-efficient landscaping in parks and public spaces.
  • Encouraging the use of dual-flush toilets in residential areas.
  • Conducting community workshops on rain barrel installation.
  • Creating water conservation awareness programs in local schools.
  • Repairing leaky pipes and fixtures in municipal buildings.
  • Developing a smartphone app to monitor water usage.
  • Establishing water recycling systems for industrial processes.
  • Educating the community about responsible water use in agriculture.

Sustainable Agriculture

  • Creating community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
  • Establishing rooftop gardens in urban areas.
  • Promoting the use of indigenous crops for food security.
  • Supporting small-scale farmers with organic farming practices.
  • Implementing permaculture design in local farms.
  • Developing farm-to-school programs to provide fresh, local produce to students.
  • Establishing a “Seed Bank” to preserve heirloom and native crop varieties.
  • Encouraging aquaponics and hydroponics in urban agriculture.
  • Organizing farmer’s markets to connect producers with consumers.
  • Supporting research on sustainable pest management in agriculture.

Biodiversity Preservation

  • Restoring natural habitats through reforestation efforts.
  • Conducting wildlife rescue and rehabilitation programs.
  • Promoting the protection of endangered species and their habitats.
  • Developing wildlife corridors to connect fragmented ecosystems.
  • Creating butterfly and pollinator-friendly gardens.
  • Hosting educational nature walks and bird-watching events.
  • Implementing sustainable fishing and hunting practices.
  • Establishing citizen science projects for monitoring local biodiversity.
  • Encouraging the removal of invasive species in natural areas.
  • Participating in biodiversity conservation through community land trusts.

Green Transportation

  • Creating bike-sharing programs with designated bike lanes.
  • Developing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.
  • Establishing carpooling and ridesharing apps for commuters.
  • Promoting the use of electric scooters and public transport.
  • Supporting cycling education for safer urban biking.
  • Organizing “Walk to School” initiatives for students.
  • Implementing electric bus fleets in public transportation.
  • Encouraging telecommuting and remote work options.
  • Designing pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and urban planning.
  • Advocating for green infrastructure in transportation projects.

Education and Awareness

  • Incorporating sustainability into school curriculums at all levels.
  • Conducting environmental education programs in local libraries.
  • Organizing climate action youth groups and eco-clubs.
  • Hosting Earth Day events and sustainability fairs.
  • Establishing community garden tours and workshops.
  • Encouraging green building practices through architectural contests.
  • Promoting the “One Hour of Darkness” initiative to save energy.
  • Supporting educational documentaries on environmental issues.
  • Organizing eco-challenges and green living workshops.
  • Launching environmental book clubs in local communities.

Sustainable Business Practices

  • Encouraging local businesses to adopt green certification programs.
  • Implementing zero-waste supply chains and packaging initiatives.
  • Offering grants to businesses adopting sustainable practices.
  • Organizing sustainability awards for eco-conscious companies.
  • Promoting eco-labeling for environmentally friendly products.
  • Establishing a “Shop Local, Shop Green” campaign.
  • Supporting eco-entrepreneurship and sustainable startups.
  • Conducting workshops on sustainable business practices.
  • Encouraging eco-conscious business associations and networks.
  • Hosting sustainability expos and business fairs.

Renewable Energy Initiatives

  • Supporting community solar panel installations.
  • Promoting the use of wind turbines in windy regions.
  • Launching educational campaigns on home solar systems.
  • Establishing a network of electric vehicle charging stations.
  • Advocating for green construction practices in buildings.
  • Organizing renewable energy seminars and webinars.
  • Encouraging the use of solar-powered outdoor lighting.
  • Supporting research on innovative energy storage solutions.
  • Implementing net-zero energy homes in residential areas.
  • Collaborating with local utilities for clean energy initiatives.

Climate Action

  • Organizing climate marches and protests in the community.
  • Supporting climate adaptation projects, such as flood defenses.
  • Creating climate resilience plans for local areas.
  • Implementing carbon footprint tracking for individuals and businesses.
  • Promoting climate education and climate literacy programs.
  • Advocating for carbon pricing and emissions reduction goals.
  • Establishing climate action task forces in local governments.
  • Organizing tree-planting campaigns to offset carbon emissions.
  • Encouraging water and energy conservation in response to climate change.
  • Supporting renewable energy projects as a climate action strategy.

These diverse sustainability projects can serve as inspiration for individuals, communities, and organizations looking to make a positive impact on the environment and promote a sustainable future.

Sustainability Project Ideas High School

Here are some sustainability project ideas suitable for high school students:

Eco-Warrior Recycling Challenge

Turn recycling into a fun competition. Create teams within the school and see who can collect and recycle the most materials. Offer prizes for the winning team.

Wildlife Habitat Restoration

Restore a small wildlife habitat area on the school grounds by planting native species and creating birdhouses. This project brings wildlife closer to home and helps students learn about local ecosystems.

Eco-Art Extravaganza

Get artsy with sustainability! Host an art competition where students use recycled materials to create sculptures, paintings, and more. The most creative entries win awards.

Green Energy Show and Tell

Encourage students to bring in or demonstrate sustainable energy devices they use at home. This can include solar-powered gadgets, wind turbines, or even hand-crank flashlights.

Beekeeping Club

Beekeeping is not only fascinating but also essential for pollination. Start a beekeeping club, and not only will students learn about these crucial insects, but the school can also benefit from honey production.

Trash to Treasure Sale

Students can collect and upcycle unwanted items into something valuable. Then, host a sale or auction, with proceeds going toward a school sustainability fund.

Zero-Waste Picnic

Organize a picnic day where everything, from the food to the utensils, is waste-free. Challenge your peers to pack eco-friendly lunches and enjoy a day outdoors.

Environmental Escape Room

Create an environmental-themed escape room for students to solve sustainability-related puzzles and challenges. It’s a fun way to educate while entertaining.

Green TikTok Challenge

In the age of social media, encourage students to create short videos showcasing sustainable practices. You’ll be amazed at how creative and influential they can be. In the age of social media, encourage students to create short videos showcasing sustainable practices. You’ll be amazed at how creative and influential they can be. By using platforms like TikTok, where trends spread like wildfire, students can reach a vast audience and inspire positive change in eco-conscious behaviors. Encouraging them to share their passion for sustainability not only educates but also build a a community of like-minded individuals. increasing their TikTok followers and amplifying the message of environmental responsibility.

Environmental Documentary Night

Choose a thought-provoking environmental documentary and host a movie night at the school. Afterward, discuss the film’s message and inspire action.

Artificial Reef Building

If you live near the coast, consider working with local organizations to build and sink artificial reefs. This helps marine life flourish and provides valuable hands-on experience.

Nature-Themed Poetry Slam

Let the poets in your school shine with a poetry slam focused on nature and sustainability. It’s an excellent way to express feelings about the environment.

Green Book Club

Start an eco-themed book club to read and discuss books about environmental issues, conservation, or green living.

Sustainable Fashion Swap

Hold a fashion swap event where students can exchange clothing and accessories. It promotes the idea that fashion can be sustainable and stylish.

Hydroponics Garden

Explore hydroponics gardening to grow plants without soil. It’s a futuristic approach to agriculture and allows students to understand resource-efficient food production.

Outdoor Classroom

Create an outdoor classroom space on the school grounds, complete with benches and a whiteboard. It’s a wonderful place for eco-lessons.

DIY Solar Phone Chargers

Teach students how to make solar-powered phone chargers using affordable materials. It combines STEM education with sustainability.

Recycled Art Murals

Collaborate on large art projects like murals using recycled materials. The school’s walls will tell a story of creativity and sustainability.

Seed Bombing

Make seed bombs containing wildflower seeds and distribute them in areas that need a little extra greenery, like abandoned lots or urban spaces.

Environmental Podcast

Record a podcast discussing sustainability topics, and invite experts and teachers to share their knowledge.

These engaging high school sustainability project ideas make learning about the environment and green living both educational and fun, sparking enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility among students.

Sustainability Project Ideas for Preschool

Check out sustainability project ideas for preschool:-

Recycled Art Show

Introduce preschoolers to the world of recycling by turning trash into art. Gather materials like empty egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, and scrap paper.

Let the little artists create sculptures and paintings with these recyclables, and host an art show for parents.

Garden Growing

Set up a mini-garden in your preschool. Teach the kids about plant growth by letting them plant seeds, water the plants, and watch them sprout. You can use small containers or even recycled milk cartons as plant pots.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Take the children outdoors on a nature scavenger hunt. Provide a list of items to find, such as pinecones, leaves, or feathers. It’s a great way to connect with the environment.

Recycle Sorting Game

Create a game where kids learn to differentiate between different types of waste—compost, recyclables, and trash. Use pictures or actual items to make sorting fun.

Eco-Friendly Crafts

Encourage the use of sustainable materials for arts and crafts. Consider activities like making paper from recycled newspaper or using eco-friendly paint.

Storytime with an Environmental Twist

Incorporate eco-friendly themes into storytime. Choose books that teach kids about nature, animals, or recycling.

Composting Worms

Teach kids about composting with the help of friendly worms. Create a small vermicomposting bin where kids can watch these creatures turn food scraps into rich soil.

Recycled Toy Day

Challenge children to bring in a recycled toy from home. Discuss how reusing toys is a way to be sustainable and save resources.

Bird Feeder Fun

Craft bird feeders from recycled materials, such as empty plastic bottles or milk cartons. Hang them outside the classroom window and observe the birds that visit.

Reduce and Reuse Game

Play a game to learn about reducing waste and reusing items. For example, let the kids pretend to shop for groceries and discuss using reusable bags instead of plastic.

Rainwater Collector

Discuss the importance of water conservation with preschoolers. Set up a simple rainwater collector with a bucket and show how it can be used for plants.

Recycled Fashion Show

Have a “fashion show” day where kids come dressed in recycled materials. Let them get creative with cardboard hats, paper bag vests, and other imaginative outfits.

Outdoor Exploration

Take kids on an outdoor adventure to explore the local environment. Visit a nearby park or natural area to observe and appreciate nature.

Earth Day Celebration

Make Earth Day a big event at your preschool. Plant a tree, create Earth-themed crafts, and talk about ways to care for our planet.

Eco-Friendly Picnic

Organize a picnic day where everything is eco-friendly. Use reusable containers, bamboo utensils, and cloth napkins to reduce waste.

Light Switch Reminder

Teach kids to conserve energy by turning off the lights when they leave a room. Make it a fun routine to remind everyone in the class.

Butterfly Garden

Plant a butterfly garden to teach kids about the life cycle of butterflies. They’ll observe caterpillars transforming into beautiful butterflies.

Ocean Exploration

Dive into the world of oceans by setting up a mini-ocean in a sensory table. Let kids play with seashells, sand, and toy sea creatures.

Sustainability Pledge

Create a colorful “sustainability pledge” board where kids can put their handprints or drawings, promising to do their best to protect the Earth.

Recycling Heroes

Teach kids about recycling by designating recycling heroes each week. They can help collect recyclables from their peers and put them in the right bins.

These sustainability project ideas for preschool are designed to instill eco-consciousness from a young age, turning preschoolers into Earth’s little stewards while having a lot of fun.

What are some sustainable projects?

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a real-world concept that shapes our future. It’s about making choices today that benefit us without harming the prospects of tomorrow.

So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of sustainability with some practical project ideas:

Renewable Energy Revolution

Imagine vast solar farms, spinning wind turbines, and hydroelectric power plants . These projects are like the superheroes of the sustainability world. They combat climate change by reducing harmful greenhouse gases.

Energy Efficiency Makeover

Imagine giving your home or workplace an energy efficiency facelift. It’s like upgrading to the latest, most energy-efficient appliances, sealing up those sneaky drafts, and using smart systems to manage energy use. The result? Lower bills and a healthier planet.

Waste Warriors

Think about projects that cut down the amount of garbage we generate and turn more of it into something useful. It’s all about recycling, upcycling, and reducing waste. This helps protect our precious resources and keeps our environment cleaner.

Water Saviors

Water is life, and water conservation projects make sure we don’t waste a drop. They involve smart water use, protecting water sources, and finding creative ways to keep our rivers and lakes healthy.

Eco-Friendly Farming and Forestry

Imagine farms and forests that work in harmony with nature. These projects use practices that protect the land, water, and wildlife while still producing the food and materials we need.

Green Commutes

Visualize a city where most people walk, bike, or take eco-friendly public transport instead of driving gas-guzzlers. These projects reduce air pollution and make our cities more vibrant.

Sustainable Spaces

Think of buildings designed with the environment in mind. They use less energy, produce less waste, and provide healthier indoor air. It’s like a breath of fresh air for our planet.

These sustainability projects can happen at every level, from individuals and families to entire communities and nations.

Whether you’re making small changes at home or pushing for big projects in your city, remember that every step counts. So, go ahead, join the sustainability movement, and be the change you want to see in the world!

What are 5 example of sustainability?

Check out the top 5 example of sustainablity:-

Renewable Energy: Harnessing Nature’s Bounty

  • Go green with renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power.
  • They’re sustainable, replenishing naturally, and emitting minimal greenhouse gases.
  • Together, we combat climate change and power a brighter future.

Energy Efficiency: The Smart Energy Path

  • It’s the practice of doing more with less, an energy-wise approach.
  • Upgrade insulation, switch to energy-efficient appliances, and adopt smart energy management.
  • This sustainable route conserves resources and trims greenhouse gas emissions, all while saving you money.

Waste Reduction and Recycling: Less Waste, More Good

  • Reduce waste by making mindful purchases, reusing items, and composting organic waste.
  • Recycling keeps materials out of landfills, ignites innovative products, and lowers pollution.
  • Small choices, big impact – a more sustainable world begins with you.

Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry: Cultivating a Greener Tomorrow

  • Farm and harvest with an eco-conscious mindset.
  • Practices like crop rotation and integrated pest management ensure that we can feed the world without harming it.
  • Sustainable agriculture and forestry safeguard our planet’s future.

Green Building: Where Sustainability Meets Shelter

  • Constructing sustainable and energy-efficient buildings is our ticket to a greener future.
  • These structures use eco-friendly materials, innovative construction methods, and features like solar panels.
  • By choosing green buildings, we’re conserving resources, reducing greenhouse gases, and creating healthier indoor spaces.

These are more than just ideas; they’re pathways towards a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle. Join the movement today, and be part of the change our world needs.

What is a sustainability project plan?

A sustainability project plan is like a compass guiding us toward a greener and more responsible future. It’s a blueprint, a masterplan, if you will, that spells out precisely how we’re going to make our world a better place.

So, what’s in this grand sustainability strategy?

Executive Summary

Think of this as the teaser to an exciting movie. It gives you a sneak peek into the project’s goals and the fantastic benefits it brings.

Ever heard of the “why” behind a project? Well, this section spills the beans. It explains the problem at hand, the ingenious solution, and why this project is worth every ounce of effort.

Goals and Objectives

In this part, we set the bar high. The goals and objectives are like our North Star, keeping us on track and focused. But they’re not vague; they’re SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Strategies and Actions

This is where the rubber meets the road. It’s a step-by-step guide on how we’re going to make our lofty goals a reality. From the first gear to the last, we’ve got it all planned out.

Timeline and Budget

Every project needs a schedule and some cash to get off the ground. We lay out the start and finish dates, celebrate essential milestones along the way, and tally up the expenses.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Just like a watchful eye, we’re keeping tabs on the project’s progress. We want to ensure it’s not veering off course and that it’s still hitting those SMART goals.

Sustainability project plans are like our treasure maps, showing us the path to a better world. They can apply to all sorts of projects, whether it’s a local community garden or a colossal infrastructure overhaul.

These plans are our way of making sure we leave behind a planet that’s not just habitable but thriving for future generations. Let’s go green! 

What are sustainable ideas?

Sustainable ideas are the cornerstone of a better future, ensuring our needs are met without compromising the well-being of generations yet to come. These ideas encompass environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Here are some sustainable ideas that can make a significant impact:

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Among the most pivotal sustainable ideas is the practice of reducing waste, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling materials. These actions play a crucial role in conserving resources and curbing pollution.

Embrace Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources, like solar, wind, and hydro power, offer sustainability by naturally replenishing themselves. Furthermore, they generate minimal to no greenhouse gas emissions, actively combating climate change.

Prioritize Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency, a sustainable idea, involves achieving the same tasks while using less energy. This is achievable through enhanced insulation, replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models, and implementing smart energy management systems. These practices contribute to resource conservation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Support Sustainable Businesses and Products

By endorsing businesses and products committed to sustainability, we play a pivotal role in nurturing a more sustainable economy.

Look for certifications from reputable third-party organizations like B Corporation or Fairtrade to make informed choices.

Engage with Your Community

There are numerous avenues for active participation in promoting sustainability within your community. Whether volunteering with a local environmental organization, initiating your own sustainability project, or simply initiating conversations with friends and neighbors on sustainability’s importance, your efforts can lead to meaningful change.

Every small action taken in line with these sustainable ideas collectively paves the way for a brighter future, not just for ourselves but for the generations that follow.

Conclusion: Embrace the Green Revolution

In closing, sustainability project ideas are the foundation for a brighter and more eco-conscious world. They represent the innovative paths to safeguard our planet, strengthen our communities, and ensure long-term economic stability.

By trimming waste, adopting renewable energy, championing energy efficiency, supporting businesses committed to sustainability, and actively engaging with our local neighborhoods, we take meaningful strides toward a sustainable tomorrow.

These ideas embolden us to meet the present’s needs without jeopardizing the prospects of future generations.

As we pursue sustainability, each modest shift we make radiates outward, casting a profound impact that reverberates through time, benefiting countless generations.

It’s not just a commitment to living in harmony with our Earth; it’s an investment in the well-being of all its inhabitants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the first step in starting a sustainability project.

Begin by researching your chosen project thoroughly and identifying potential collaborators and resources.

How can I fund my sustainability project?

Consider seeking grants, crowdfunding, or collaborating with local businesses and organizations that share your goals.

What is the biggest challenge in sustainability projects?

The lack of awareness and participation is often a significant challenge. Education and community involvement are key.

Can I start a sustainability project as an individual?

Absolutely! Many successful sustainability projects began with the initiative of individuals who later gained community support.

How do I measure the impact of my sustainability project?

Monitoring and evaluating your project’s environmental, social, and economic impact is crucial. Set clear objectives and use data to track progress.

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Student Grants

The Student Grant program funds creative projects that contribute to Harvard’s commitment to climate and health and help create a more sustainable community. 

The Office for Sustainability founded the Student Grant program in 2010 to provide students with seed funding to support new ideas and innovative projects that address global sustainability challenges with on-campus applications 

The Program funds projects that are specifically aligned with the goals, standards, and commitments in  Harvard’s Sustainability Plan . Special consideration is given to projects that address climate change and enhance human well-being. 

Student Grant eligibility and application checklist

Apply for a Student Grant

  • Applications will be due Friday, October 13, 2023, and are considered on a rolling basis between now and then.
  • If you are interested in applying but have questions, or would like to discuss a potential project idea, please email  [email protected]  to set up a quick consulting session.
  • We are especially interested in projects that in addition to addressing sustainability challenges, address topics around environmental justice, social equity, diversity, and inclusion and belonging.

Spotlight Projects:

Urban Landscaping Initiative

Harvard Micro-Prairie Project

“The Harvard Micro-Prairie Project” is an urban landscaping initiative for the protection and preservation of pollinators. After identifying underused, deteriorating, and under-accessed ground spaces around the Harvard campus, we will convert them into monitored micro-prairies featuring a variety of native pollinator-friendly plants, blooming from spring through fall. While minimizing labor costs as well as reducing equipment emissions and water usage, this project targets the damaging effects of grass-centric monoculture landscaping on pollinator species and on the health of our local soil. This project is a collaboration with HDS Holy Bees, HDS Garden Club, the GSBees, HDS Animism Reading Group, and other student-led organizations.

Collage of wild flowers and plant life.

Establishing a Community Bike Shop, Everett Sapp

For many Harvard community members, bikes are an essential mode of transportation around campus and greater Cambridge. Quad Bikes serves to further support the existing biking community as well as advocate and help new bikers get started. Establishing a student-run bike repair shop that ensures the safety and longevity of campus bikes will help serve as a central support point for the Harvard community. We hope to cultivate a community-wide passion for the bicycle as a tool for a healthy lifestyle, a vehicle of empowerment, and a sustainable transportation method. We believe this project will provide direct and tangible benefits to not only students and faculty but also foster a positive biking community for the university for the foreseeable future.

A member of the Quad Bikes student grant project helps fix a student's bike during an Earth Day celebration.

Student Writing Contest

Writing for the Climate Contest

Harvard student Meaghan Townsend, founded “Writing for the Climate” in 2022 with the support of the Harvard Office for Sustainability and its Student Grant Program. This Harvard youth climate writing contest converts dread into hopeful conversation and action. The contest invites climate writing submissions in two categories (prose fiction and nonfiction). All writing must address the climate-themed prompt. Submissions will be judged by a panel of Harvard writing/science faculty.

Winners at each category/entry level will earn cash prizes and certificates for honorable mention. All 12 recognized entries are collected in an anthology and shared widely at a subsequent in-person celebration, as well as online.

Learn more about Writing for the Climate Opens new window

Winners of the 2022 Writing for the Climate contest pose for a photo.

Questions about Student Grants? Email [email protected] .

Lesson Plans for Teaching Sustainability

Students create a garden in their school's yard

By Emily Olsen-Harbich

September 17, 2014

As you kick off your school year planning, consider incorporating a lesson on sustainability. The Center for Green Schools , at the U.S Green Building Council, would like to invite teachers to participate in this year’s Green Apple Day of Service .

This September, the third annual Green Apple Day of Service will transform schools all around the world into healthier places to live, learn, work, and play. Hundreds of thousands of students, parents, teachers and community members will volunteer their time on school projects that emphasize the importance of sustainability, by taking local action. Join us by making a commitment to teach a green lesson in your classroom this fall. It’s easy!

What can sustainability look like in schools?  A typical “green” school saves $100,000 annually on operating costs through conservation efforts such as water efficient fixtures, energy-efficient and motion sensor lighting, and designs that maximize daylight.  With these savings, a school could hire at least one new teacher, buy 200 computers, or purchase 5,000 textbooks. 

What’s more, teaching sustainability could facilitate better learning outcomes for students.  Studies show that hands-on civic engagement projects can boost student achievement in reading and science.

Imagine what your classroom could look like if your students were engaged in sustainability learning.  Teachers can facilitate important outcomes for students, schools, and communities by promoting sustainability and environmental learning. So where can you start?

We are pleased to share the resources and lesson plans below to make it easy for you to integrate sustainability into your classroom and help boost environmental education in your classroom, any time of year!

College students work on a garden building project with the nonprofit Global Gardens

Lesson Plan Ideas

Grades pre-k-2:.

  • The Giving and Receiving Tree by Green Education Foundation  
  • Water in the Desert by the National Park Service

Grades 3-5:

  • Energy Activity Book by Green Education Foundation
  • Cooking with the Sun by the City & County of San Francisco

Grades 6-8:

  • Calculating Your Foodometer by Green Education Foundation
  • Introduction to Invasive Species by National Geographic

Grades 9-12:

  • Cell Wall Recipe: A Lesson in Biofuels by Green Education Foundation  
  •   Seeking Environmental Justice by Maryland EnviroHealth Connections
  • Teaching Tips

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Environmental Activities for Students

Top 10 Environmental Activities for Students [2024]

Looking for fun ways to get your students involved in saving the planet? With climate change and other pressing environmental issues, it’s more important than ever that the next generation takes action. That’s why I’ve put together the 10 best eco-friendly environmental activities for students that are both educational and engaging . Keep reading to learn about the best ideas that will raise environmental awareness among elementary students.

Environmental activities for students encompass a range of engaging, hands-on learning experiences that connect children with nature while promoting eco-friendly and sustainable values . From outdoor exploration and conservation challenges to art projects and science experiments, these 10 activities raise awareness through fun and education.

Keep reading to learn more about how to get elementary students involved in saving the planet!

Top 10 Environmental Activities for Students

Table Of Contents

Fun Environmental Activities for Students (Elementary)

Examples of Environmental Activities for Students

1. Nature scavenger hunt

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Involves hunting for natural items such as leaves, flowers, rocks, etc. It helps students learn more about plants and animals while connecting with nature.

2. Planting a garden

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You can plant a few trees in a designated area and nurture them to attain full growth.

3. Recycling relay race

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You can organize a simple competition involving teams or groups fighting to collect and sort recyclable materials (like cardboard ) around the school compound, marketplace, etc.

4. Bird watching

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This is among the best environment activities for elementary students. You can join other learners to spot and name birds in a nearby forest. Bird observation is a fun and educational activity for students.

5. Outdoor art

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This involves creating works displayed in outdoor spaces, such as parks, streets, or public squares. They can be sculptures, murals, installations, etc. Be careful when making such pieces because many people see them.

6. Water conservation challenge

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You can organize a competition that exhibits students’ ability to minimize water wastage, e.g., collecting rainwater.  

7. Nature photography

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Teachers can encourage their students to take nature walks or wander around the school grounds looking for birds, small animals, some interesting leaves, and rocks to photograph.

8. Building birdhouses

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Most bird species are great at building their nests. Still, students can use their free time to build beautiful birdhouses. No matter how you choose to get involved in this work, it is important to remember that all contributions can make a difference.

9. Environmental storytelling

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This is one of humanity’s oldest information-sharing channels. Stories can be captivating and impactful. Narrating how old generations conserved the environment can leave an impression on kids.

10. Outdoor science experiments

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Simple tests like plant transpiration can be quite impactful. For example, you can place a plastic bag over a leaf and observe what happens in 24 hours.

Benefits of Environmental Education for Students

1. fosters environmental awareness.

The earth breathes. It’s alive and must be protected by all of us. Unfortunately, some people are oblivious to the facts. Some communities, like Native Americans and tribes in Africa strongly believe in the balance of nature, where eliminating plants or insects may lead to the complete collapse of the ecosystem. Researchers have observed that children from such societies are more environmentally conscious .

We can replicate this in other communities through environmental education. If taught from an early age, children can master the skills to make responsible decisions and grow a deeper understanding of environmental issues.

2. It promotes sustainability

Sustainability is about understudying the possible impacts of our actions on the environment and society. We can only protect and converse if we have the skills, knowledge, and experiences crucial to coexisting with all the plants and organisms in the biosphere. Therefore, we must find ways to inspire our children to care for the planet. For example, organizing environmental projects for students can be a good start.

3. It enhances critical thinking

Environmental education encourages students to research on why and how things happen, helping them make informed decisions. This requires thorough research and consultations to launch a convincing argument.

Following such debates actively helps students to develop and enhance their critical thinking, creating a new generation of informed citizens or decision-makers. But if you’re unsure of your research and writing skills, you can always seek help from a research paper writer instead of shaming yourself. For example, a reliable research writing service such as CustomWritings is always there for you, providing top-quality papers to students worldwide. So if you are stuck writing your academic papers, you can simply ask them to help you out.

4. Sense of responsibility and stewardship

Some places have been dilapidated because no one felt responsible enough to protect them. You can talk about mining towns left in ruins, beaches overflowing with plastics, old forests turned into barren lands, etc. These places stand as stuck reminders that humans can destroy everything on their path for economic gains.

Environment activities for students instill a sense of stewardship towards earth’s resources. By understanding the values and fragility of natural resources the learners can develop a sense of responsibility to protect and preserve them for future generations. 

5. Promotes physical and mental well-being

The contact with nature in school is beneficial for promoting the well-being of the students as well as their access to positive environmental factors such as clean air, water, and healthy food . When you engage in physical activities or interact with wild animals, you can improve your mood significantly.

6. Equips students for careers in the environmental sector

There are numerous career opportunities in the environmental protection sector. If you study hard and pass your exams, you might become an environmental engineer, sustainability consultant, renewable energy analyst, wildlife biologist, weather analyst, conservation officer, etc. These roles are critical to protecting and preserving our natural resources for a sustainable future.

Resources and Tools for Tracking Environment Activities for Students

  • Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) website : This is one of the most important resources for environmentalists. The website provides crucial information about trending topics, ongoing projects, and proposed environmental initiatives. It’s the first stop when looking for a start in the journey of conservation.
  • National Geographic : Founded in 1888, the organization started out as a small outfit made up of elite scholars, researchers, explorers, and scientists. Its main objective was to map out the world and increase geographic knowledge while conserving precious global history, culture , and natural resources. It has remained true to its objectives, becoming a critical source of information for learners. You can access their materials online, on TV, and on periodicals.  
  • World Wildlife Fund ( WWF ) : WWF’s mission is “to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.” This is one of the places to find crucial information about all endangered species on Earth. Their materials will also help you develop a deeper understanding of ecological and environmental issues and motivate you to apply the principles of sustainability to your everyday activities and decisions.
  • Greenpeace : Unlike the other resources, Greenpeace is purely volunteer-based. The organization works with thousands of willing individuals sacrificing their time and resources to make the world a better place. Their tireless efforts help students understand the nature and complexity of environmental facts and challenges and build their capacity to act. Visit their page to find out about new environmental initiatives in your area.

We have only one planet to live on. As such, we can’t ignore the harm we’re doing to it if we truly care about future generations. Most importantly, we share the earth with many plants, animals, and microorganisms. Therefore, we should be mindful and avoid thinking that we can do whatever we want with it.

Conserving the environment is protecting our own future. Hence, the mentioned environmental activities for students are critical to promote awareness and knowledge that is critical for our survival and future prosperity.

How can teachers make environmental activities engaging for different learning styles?

To engage various learning styles, incorporate activities like dramatic skits for verbal learners, art projects for visual learners, and experiments for kinesthetic learners. Also use competitions, stories, and hands-on building projects to make the activities fun and interactive.

What low-cost supplies are needed for easy environmental activities?

Simple environmental activities can be done with household items like reused containers for planting, paper, and crayons for nature drawings, and plastic bottles for building bird feeders. Outdoor exploration only requires a nature journal and magnifying glass.

How can environmental activities be made accessible for students with disabilities?

Consider sensory gardens, adapted tools, and verbal instructions to make outdoor activities accessible. Pair visually impaired students with a buddy for nature walks. Provide written instructions for hearing-impaired students. Keep terrain smooth for mobility devices.

How can parents extend environmental education at home?

Parents can plant gardens, go on nature walks, reuse household items creatively, read related sustainability books together, and discuss reducing waste. Connecting environmental topics to daily life teaches kids sustainable habits.

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80 sustainability research topics for students to explore green campus issues

You’re planning your thesis, paper or capstone? You want to do a student research project with impact. We have outlined a range of sustainability research topics for you. The list specifically focuses on how to green your campus . Take action to make your university more sustainable!

Our list of sustainability research topics helps students investigate green campus issues.

Sustainability research topics: Education

Some sustainability research topics on education for sustainable development :

  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of different definitions of sustainability education? Which definition could your university adopt?
  • To what extent is sustainability education already implemented in the curriculum of your university?
  • What are the strengths and limitations of advancing sustainability education within your curriculum?
  • Where does your university stand with regards to sustainability education compared to other institutions of higher education?
  • What is the demand among students for more, different or better sustainability education?
  • How can existing sustainability projects on campus be used for educational purposes, e.g. visit solar cells on rooftops as part of engineering classes?

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  • What definition of sustainability research should your university embrace?
  • To what extent is sustainability research already practised at your university?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the institution’s sustainability research portfolio compared to other institutions of higher education?
  • What are the drivers of and barriers to sustainability research at your university?
  • How could sustainability research help students to study sustainability issues on campus and inform practical change projects?
  • What are the opportunities and costs associated with promoting sustainability research? What could a plan of action look like to strategically advance it?

Some sustainability research topics on community engagement and awareness:

  • What are the perceptions of and attitudes towards sustainability by students and staff?
  • What are ways to promote sustainable lifestyles among students?
  • To what extent are students and staff aware of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ?
  • How aware are students and staff about the institution’s sustainability ambitions?
  • What are the benefits and disadvantages of approaches to communicate the university’s sustainability efforts better?
  • What are the challenges to involve students and staff in the university’s sustainability efforts?
  • Which ways to increase the engagement of the campus community exist, for example by organising sustainability events ?

For inspiration, read our post on 10 projects to engage students on the SDGs .

Explore sustainability topics for research papers on different issues related to greening campus operations:

  • What are the opportunities and costs of improving the building insulations to save energy?
  • What lighting systems exist on the market that are more energy efficient?
  • What would a business case look like to install a new lighting system?
  • Where are the main consumers of energy on campus?
  • What innovative energy technologies are developed at the institution itself? To what extent could those be directly installed and tested in buildings?
  • What lux values are sufficient for work and study places so that places are appropriately lit without wasting too much electricity?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of different sustainable building standards?
  • Which building standards would be most appropriate to inform the institution’s sustainable building policy?
  • What are the costs and benefits associated with different types of green roofs?
  • On which buildings could green roofs be installed?
  • To what extent are catering and food products certified as organic or fair trade food?
  • How much and why do students attach importance to organic and fair trade products sold in the cafeteria?
  • How can students and employees be made more aware of the multiple benefits – e.g. health, environment, economics – of sustainable (organic, fair trade, local) food ?
  • How much are students willing to pay for more organic or fair trade products?
  • What types and amounts of waste are produced by whom and where at the institution?
  • How did waste streams develop over the last years?
  • What are innovative practices in reducing waste going to landfill or incineration? How could those be applied?
  • What are the costs and benefits associated with waste recycling ?
  • What options exist to switch from paper-based to more digital forms of working and studying to reduce paper consumption?
  • What are the environmental, economic, and social benefits and disadvantages of different options to advance more digital working and studying?

More sustainability research topics on campus operations:

Biodiversity

  • What species live at different campus locations?
  • To what extent do students, faculty and staff value this biodiversity?
  • What are ways to enhance biodiversity on campus?

Greenhouse-gase (GHG)

  • What are the pros and cons of different GHG accounting standards?
  • Which standard should the institution use to develop a GHG emissions inventory ?
  • Where are GHG emissions released at the institution?
  • How big is the institution’s GHG footprint?

Procurement

  • What does sustainable procurement mean in the context of a university?
  • How is procurement currently organised? To what extent are sustainability criteria already applied in tenders?
  • To what extent could the university implement sustainability criteria that go beyond the legal minimum to advance the environmental, economic and social benefits of tenders?
  • What are the largest consumers of water?
  • What is the direct and indirect water-footprint of the institution?
  • What are opportunities and costs to reduce water usage?

Transportation and mobility

  • How do students and staff currently travel to the university and as part of their study or work?
  • What is the environmental impact of these travel behaviours? How could the impact be reduced?
  • What best practices exist among companies and other institutions of higher education to reduce staff travel or incentivize different travel behaviours?

Behaviour change

  • What is the potential to reduce resource consumption through behaviour change?
  • What are the best practices of behaviour change interventions at institutions of higher education?
  • To what extent could these projects be also applied at your university?

Sustainability research topics on governance, strategy and reporting

Sustainability research topics on governance issues:

  • What does sustainability mean for institutions of higher education?
  • How does a comprehensive concept of a sustainable institution of higher education look like?
  • How could the university’s long-term sustainability vision look like? How could this vision be realized through a roadmap?
  • What are innovative ways to develop sustainability strategies for a university through a bottom-up approach?
  • What ethical imperatives would demand that institutions of higher education care for their impact on the planet, people and profit?
  • What are the responsibilities of institutions of higher education to contribute to global challenges, such as poverty, gender inequality, and climate change?

Monitoring and reporting

  • What data is important to monitor the institution’s environmental impact? How can this data be collected and analysed?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of different sustainability reporting standards?
  • Which sustainability reporting standards should the university adhere to?
  • What are efficient ways to organize sustainability reporting within the organization?
  • What is the best way to communicate results among students, staff and outside actors?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of different methodologies (e.g. payback or Net Present Value) to calculate the financial costs and benefits of sustainability investments?
  • Which methodology should the institution apply?
  • To what extent could sustainability projects be financed through a revolving loan fund?
  • What are the possibilities to involve outside organizations through energy contracting?
  • What subsidies are available at the European, national and city level to develop a green campus?
  • How could the university use these financing options to advance its energy transition?
  • What are approaches to integrate negative externalities into the accounting schemes of the university?
  • What would be the opportunities, benefits and risks associated with establishing an energy company that’s owned by the university?
  • What are the best practices to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at public institutions around the world?
  • How can incentive schemes be changed so that energy end-users directly benefit from reductions in energy usage?

We hope this list inspired you to find a sustainability topic for research papers.

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This Leader Partners With Students to Build a More Sustainable Future for Her District

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Whether it’s buying school buses, installing solar panels, or replacing HVAC systems, deciding how schools get and use their energy is usually a job reserved for the grown-ups in a district.

But LeeAnn Kittle, the executive director of sustainability for the Denver public schools, believes that when it comes to making a district’s operations more environmentally-friendly, students should be an integral part of the process.

The work offers invaluable learning opportunities that can help prepare students for a labor market changing with the climate. Maybe more importantly: Students are powerful ambassadors for sustainability.

LeeAnn Kittle, executive director of sustainability at Denver Public Schools, helped develop projects such as the solar canopy in the parking lot of Northeast Early College in Denver.

Under Kittle’s leadership, the roughly 88,000-student district has implemented an ambitious climate action plan. It has launched a project-based-learning initiative that gives students up to $25,000 to make their schools more environmentally sustainable. It is erecting solar panels to power schools and lower families’ utility bills. And it’s leading the state in electrifying its school bus fleet.

I want these kids to know: Just because you can’t sit down at a desk, read something, and get straight A’s, doesn’t mean that you don’t have something to offer this world.

For Kittle, accomplishing all this in just three years has meant forging partnerships with city government and overcoming the powerful forces of inertia and resistance that often derail sustainability initiatives.

“There are many folks who are leaders who captivate and motivate,” said Denver Superintendent Alex Marrero. “But she has a radiant quality about her, and when she gets into her passion, it becomes contagious. When she shows up in the room, she just takes over.”

That’s especially important in a leader championing sustainability, he said, because climate change can feel like a far-off problem—even for people who take it seriously—and is easily relegated to the back burner. Only about 100 school districts across the country have sustainability positions like Kittle’s.

Her most important partnership has been with the students themselves. She’s helped high schoolers channel their anxiety about the increasingly intense wildfires, heat waves, and droughts they’re witnessing into advocacy and action. Student-led efforts to push the district to adopt policies to shrink its carbon footprint have been recognized by the White House—twice.

The power of student activism

Ever since she was a kid, Kittle remembers preferring to be outside, getting her hands dirty. She grew up on the west side of Cleveland in a tight-knit family. But while her three brothers were all gifted in academics, Kittle said she never truly fit in a traditional classroom setting.

After high school, she struggled to find a path that meshed with her abilities and interests.

“There were lots of tears in my youth.” Kittle, 39, said. Then, in college at Cleveland State University, “I took an environmental science class on a whim because I love nature, and that professor was so engaging and so passionate about what she taught, I never looked back.”

LeeAnn Kittle, executive director of sustainability at Denver Public Schools, center, talks to students in the district-wide “DPS Students for Climate Action” club at Denver East High School on Jan. 12, 2024.

From there, Kittle co-founded an environmental and sustainability club on campus. She co-led an effort to raise a quarter of a million dollars to install a green roof at her university. She parlayed that work into a part-time job, persuading the university to hire her as its first energy-conservation specialist.

Kittle’s time at Cleveland State University undergirds her focus on students today.

She experienced firsthand the power of student activism. And she knows that including students in renewable-energy projects will expose them to job possibilities in high-growth sectors.

But most importantly, it helps ease students very real anxiety about climate change.

Between their energy use, transportation, and food waste, schools in the United States are a substantial source of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, which get trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise and long-term weather patterns to change.

“It’s important to show that as an organization as large as [the Denver district is], we’re taking it seriously,” she said. “The only way to combat climate anxiety among our youth is through collective action. We’re trying to change the narrative from crisis and get them excited about finding a solution.”

When Kittle started at the Denver school system in early 2020, a group of students from eight schools were lobbying the school board to pass a climate action policy. Kittle wasn’t allowed to advocate a specific strategy, given her position in the district. But she supported the students by helping them build the skills—in organization and public speaking—to make their advocacy more effective.

She also taught them persistence, said Gabriel Nagel, a former Denver student who co-founded the advocacy group.

“The process of passing the policy was not easy,” he said. “There was a point where I was really losing hope; there were a lot of board drama and tension, and it felt like our policy wouldn’t actually make it after two years of work. She just reminded me: To get important stuff done requires constant effort. You can’t be willing to give up the fight too easily. That helped encourage me and the rest of the group.”

Kittle would regularly attend the student group’s weekly Zoom meetings on Wednesday evenings. Nagel remembers Kittle sometimes calling in from her car as she ran errands or breaking from the meeting to tuck her kindergartner into bed.

Her dedication meant a lot to the students, said Nagel, who is now a freshman at Stanford University and a member of a newly established youth-advisory committee to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“Whenever you’re talking with her, she is fully engaged, her whole presence is there,” he said. “Sometimes, she prioritizes youth more than the adults, which I think is good because a district is mostly made of students.”

Outlining concrete goals, taking aggressive action

It took more than two years of advocacy, but the Denver school board unanimously passed a climate action statement—a short verbal commitment to become a national leader in climate action and resource conservation.

It was a tall order—and exactly the one Kittle needed.

Armed with that mandate, Kittle and her team turned to making the statement into a five-year road map to reduce natural resource consumption and waste year over year and put the district on a path to slashing its overall emissions by at least 90 percent by 2050. Kittle has continued to seek students’ input throughout the development and implementation of the plan, which also aims to engage all students and staff in sustainability.

LeeAnn Kittle, executive director of sustainability at Denver Public Schools, stands for a portrait at Denver East High School in Denver on Jan. 12, 2024.

Kittle’s team started by calculating how much the district emitted in greenhouse gases in 2010, 2016, and 2021 to get a baseline to build goals from. They found that electricity and natural gas used to heat and cool buildings produced the vast majority of the district’s emissions. Transportation—including from school buses and employees’ cars as they commute to work—was the second largest source of emissions.

The district has installed heat pumps in 10 schools and has plans for more. It has purchased 23 electric yellow buses—three of which are already on the roads.

The district is already seeing substantive cost savings from Kittle and her team’s work. In 2023, it saved more than $5 million from its roughly $1 billion budget through various initiatives, such as selling renewable-energy credits and retrofitting all district lights with energy efficient replacements.

Kittle’s focus on concrete goals and especially her embrace of student involvement stand out to Laura Schifter, a senior fellow with This Is Planet Ed., an initiative of the nonprofit Aspen Institute. The initiative is advocating for schools to take more aggressive action on shrinking their carbon footprints and researching and distributing best practices on how districts can do so.

Schifter is closely watching around 15 districts across the country that are aggressively tackling climate change.

“I think the work has been really exciting to follow in DPS,” she said. “One thing that stands out is that [its climate action plan] is very tied to metrics and clear objectives and goals aligned to it. The other thing that stands out to me is the collaborative nature of the development of the plan and bringing students to the table, which I think is impressive.”

The Denver students who advocated the climate action policy were recognized in 2022 with the President’s Environmental Youth Award. In June 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris visited the district and highlighted the accomplishments of its student climate activists.

Giving students the skills a ‘traditional classroom does not provide’

Kittle’s work with students didn’t stop with the climate action plan. Her latest initiative aims to create opportunities for project-based learning in sustainability.

Her department has partnered with the city of Denver to fund student-led climate action projects. Student groups from across the district submitted 20 proposals for a first round of mini grants of up to $25,000, from a pot of $225,000, paid for by the city.

The winning projects include a plan to install bike racks at one school, an initiative to plant trees at another, and a proposal to buy three solar picnic tables where students can harness the sun’s energy to charge their cellphones and other devices.

Kittle said she wants to give students the chance she didn’t get until college to find their path in life—exploring careers in a field that is only going to grow as climate change intensifies.

“Being able to give students the opportunity to work on project-based learning [in] sustainability helps them recognize their skill sets that maybe a traditional classroom does not provide,” she said. “I want these kids to know: Just because you can’t sit down at a desk, read something, and get straight A’s, doesn’t mean that you don’t have something to offer this world.”

Solar canopies, goats, and vegetable gardens

The district is also leveraging its sustainability projects as an opportunity to give students hands-on training in clean-energy jobs. Students at Northeast Early College have helped install and maintain a solar canopy the district and city partnered on to build over the parking lot at their high school. The canopy, a series of carports covered in solar panels, not only helps power the school but also lowers the utility bills of low-income families in the district through the sale of energy credits.

Kittle envisions these projects having an impact beyond school campuses. She sees the district as part of a larger community ecosystem. Everything is connected, and the system can only thrive if all parts are supported and healthy.

It’s why Kittle and her team strive to share the fruits of their labor with the broader community—literally. Sixty-two schools in the district have vegetable gardens that grew 107,000 pounds of produce last year. Some schools even have chickens to lay eggs and goats to keep the grass short. A lot of that produce ends up in local food banks.

“It’s a very cyclical relationship where it’s giving back to the community, getting the community excited to engage in these initiatives,” Kittle said

That, in turn, helps build support for the district’s ambitious climate plans.

The solar canopy in the parking lot of Northeast Early College in Denver on Jan. 12, 2024.

Still, Kittle has faced pushback to the initiatives she’s led, even in a district, city, and state that is overall supportive of addressing climate change.

While not rooted in ideology, the opposition is still there, said Kittle.

“I have worked in more progressive and conservative environments,” she said. “There is resistance everywhere because it’s change, and everyone has some level of discomfort with change.”

A significant source of resistance for Kittle—and one that she is sympathetic to—is that these projects take a lot of work, and the heavy lifting of retooling how the district gets and uses its energy doesn’t fall equally on all departments. For example, electrifying Denver’s bus fleet means the transportation department will be adopting a new technology while dealing with long-standing staffing shortages.

In these circumstances, Kittle said her mantra is the rule: “Seek first to understand then to be understood” from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People .

“I know how to really engage folks because no matter where they are on the topic, they’re going to relate to finances, the environment, or enhancing our community,” Kittle said. And when she struggles to find the right hook, she knows she can always turn to the students to help combat climate change. “Student engagement is incredibly powerful. Empowering them helps the mission and, quite frankly, helps the larger mission of K-12.”

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A version of this article appeared in the February 14, 2024 edition of Education Week as This Leader Partners With Students To Build a More Sustainable Future For Her District

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Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services for Boston Public Schools, holds out a bucket to Veda Peteet, 3, Zara Peteet, 5, and Tom Peteet, 40, while hosting a table at Building Balance, a mental health event at the Museum of Science in Boston, Mass., on Jan. 21, 2023.

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Sustainability Projects for Schools: Tips for a Sustainable School

students sustainability projects

Raising environmental awareness must start at an early age , we know schools and families have a leading role in educating children and young people to act for the planet .

In order to inspire and create building blocks for a sustainable future, schools can take small and simple actions that make a difference and leave an imprint how students feel about and act toward their environment.

Here are some basic tips to make your school more sustainable that you can start to practice immediately:

Table of Contents

Encouraging biodiversity in outdoor school spaces

Changing things at the school cafeteria, encourage students to save energy and reduce water consumption, reduce paper waste, creative recycling projects.

Every school has an outdoor space; and no matter the scope of the budget or location in the world; interesting and relevant outdoor activities  can always be planned.

For example, students can be involved in creating birdhouses, small terrariums and/or growing flowers to attract butterflies and bees. A small vegetable garden can also be set up, this way, kids can learn how to produce their own food, as well as enjoy great satisfaction from watching plants grow.

An important action for sustainable schools to take is organizing  school meals  in a more  environmentally friendly way . Choosing food according to seasonality and to introducing students to the natural cycles of the planet. Schools can also choose food from  short supply chains  to reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by road transportation.

Another key tip is to organize a completely  meat-free day : as we know meat production from intensive livestock farms is a major cause of pollution. By organizing a meat-free day, you can make students aware of this problem, both ethically and environmentally, and get them used to reducing their demand for meat and introducing them to healthy and tasty alternatives.

Encourage students to turn off the lights  and  other appliances  when they are no longer needed and make sure to  turn off the tap  when water is not being used.

By starting from an early age to use energy and water carefully and sparingly, you will be more aware of avoiding waste as an adult.

Paper is one of the most consumed materials in a school, so it is important to promote the reduction of paper consumption  as much as possible, not only by students, but also by teachers and administrative staff.

Increasing use of e-books is a great option, reducing waste and reducing the weight of student’s backpacks. Encouraging reusing paper – writing on the blank side of new pieces of paper, and buying recycled or upcycled paper are a great way make progress with the tools we currently have.

Knowing how to reuse objects  and  materials  is extremely important to reduce waste and encourage resource recovery.

Creativity workshops can be organized at school, where projects can be developed using recycled materials such as plastic bottles, glass jars, newspaper, various containers, and many other materials.

There is no limit to the variety of objects that can be made; it will be greatly appreciated by student and extremely useful for developing their ingenuity and creativity. All skills they can use later in life.

These are just some of the many actions that can be implemented right now to make schools a more sustainable place. These are some tips that don’t require great resources and that parents will be happy to endorse.

Learning good rules for living more sustainably from an early age will enable tomorrow’s adults to be more conscious in their choices and to more environmentally aware .

AWorld can help you educate and inspire your students to undertake a more sustainable lifestyle and take action against climate change. Want to know how? Discover now AWorld’s educational program for more sustainable schools .

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Here you can find our ongoing and upcoming projects, collaborations and conferences! These include our partnerships and SfS-led projects. 

Sustainability for Students at the IEA's 8th Global Annual Conference

Eirini had the honour to have been invited as a youth delegate to attend the 8th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, organised by International Energy Agency (IEA) and Ministères Écologie Énergie Territoires, sponsored by Schneider Electric in Versailles between 6 - 8 June.

The panel discussions and presentations were packed with political, industry and youth insights on the role of energy efficiency in accelerating a just energy transition that leaves no-one behind. Hearing from several high-profile speakers, some of the key takeaways from the conference included the sense of urgency to reduce energy emissions, especially those coming from buildings, and the potentially radical change that this can translate to for our current status-quo if we want to reach a Paris-compliant transition.

It was refreshing to see youth voices being represented in this three-day conference, especially hearing from Paola Acevedo Alvarado, Rosalind Skillen and Winifred Awinpoya A.  whose fresh perspective on several dimensions of the energy efficiency discourse showed the importance of active youth engagement in decision-making. It was also a great opportunity to meet other youth leaders in the field including Ivo Wakounig, Arianna Crosera and Jesusoorefunmi Olaoye.

Sustainability for Students Joins the 11th ECOSOC Youth Forum, April 2023

The Forum provides a platform for young people to engage in a dialogue with Member States and other actors to voice their views, concerns and galvanize actions on how to transform the world into a fairer, greener and more sustainable place guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Youth Forum will address the theme of ECOSOC and the 2023 UN High-level Political Forum on sustainable development (HLPF) on “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at levels”. It will also review progress in the areas of clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), and partnerships for the goals (SDG17).

Sustainability for Students Goes To Brussels

🌍As a Climate Pact Ambassador, Eirini was invited to join “The European Climate Pact: Together in Action” in Brussels on 1 February, 2023 representing Sustainability for Students. We heard from a great selection of panel speakers including the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmersmans; Deputy Director General on the European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Change; heads of municipalities; and fellow Climate Pact Ambassadors.

Eirini becomes an EU Climate Pact Ambassador

In her capacity as the Founder and Editor in Chief of Sustainability for Students, Eirini has been selected as a European Climate Pact Ambassador representing our blog. She writes: "My aim to raise awareness and engage with climate education, by emphasising the role of the youth in fighting climate change, which I wish to continue doing as a Climate Ambassador. Given the existential threat that the climate crisis poses, I believe that it is imperative to learn and re-learn the ways that we interact with climate emissions as individuals and as groups, which I believe can be effectively carried out through research and community awareness."

Our Collaboration with Terra Movement

We believe in building a community with like-minded organisations and initiatives. We collaborated with Terra Movement - an artivist movement which aims to make a difference and help the planet by using art and design. They want to provide a platform for artists and creatives who are also concerned with the climate crisis and other challenges our planet is facing and make them feel empowered that they can use their skills to create a positive impact. We collaborated to bring to life our recent piece on the role of shame in climate change activism through Sofia's creative eye.

Second Athens Community Book Swap, 29 May 2022

On 29 May, we gathered in downtown Athens to swap our books once again. We swapped around 20 books this time around, meaning that so far we have swapped 45 books since we first began this endeavour. 

Sustainability for Students Takes the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum: April 19-20, 2022

The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum is taking place on 19 and 20 April 2022 in a virtual format. The Forum will provide a platform for young people to engage in a dialogue with Member States and other actors on concrete actions to rebuild from COVID-19 and to advance towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Decade of Action.

The 2022 ECOSOC Youth Forum is convened by the President of ECOSOC and co- organized by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the Office of the Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth (OSGEY), in collaboration with the United Nations Inter- Agency Network on Youth Development (IANYD), and co-convened by the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY) and the International Coordination Meeting of Youth Organizations (ICMYO), with technical input from youth organizations relevant to the theme of the forum.

Youth leaders from around the world will have the opportunity to engage with government representatives, youth delegates, policymakers and other relevant stakeholders in civil society and the private sector. They will contribute to the review of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs and to shaping policy recommendations at the HLPF and other Intergovernmental fora, such as the UN Transforming Education Summit, the UN Ocean Conference, the Financing for Development (FfD) Forum, among others.

To learn more click here

What does the future look like to you?

What does the future look like to you? We are opening up our platform to those interested to submit an essay between 300 and 1,500 words on what the future looks like to you: this manifesto can be based on fiction (such as a climate positive utopia) or scientific predictions - what does 1.5C look like? 

The piece can look 10 - 20 years into the future and it should describe what you think or hope about our future. 

To learn more and make your pitch, head to our Collaborations page!

Our Collaboration with the Shared Meal

We interviewed the founders of The Shared Meal. You can read Deniz's conversation with Priscilla about the organisation here . 

Renewables Greece

We have partnered with the Voice of Renewables to offer our support in the organisation of the conference RENEWABLE Greece taking place in 14 and 15 April 2022 in Athens, Greece. Renewable Greece is an internationally recognised high-profile conference gathering all professionals involved in the development of the wind and solar industry in the country, from key decision-makes though to service companies.

Sustainable Creative Charter Pledged

We recently signed the Sustainable Creative Charter as we believe that the creative sector can have direct and indirect environmental consequences. We hope that all creative individuals and practices alongside organisations who commission creatives will join us in making this commitment. 

We are a qualified member of the Circular Economy Alliance

Circular Economy Alliance partners with a diverse range of stakeholders, whether they are well established or just embarking on their circular economy journey with purpose-driven missions to safeguard our planet’s longevity. Partners who are willing and dare to embrace change that makes our world a better place. Each of our partnerships is focused, ambitious and collaborative, delivering a joint effort that accelerates our pace in transitioning towards a more sustainable future. Change becomes a reality with shared values, determination, prompt actions, and long-term commitment. This certificate verifies that the holder is an official partner of Circular Economy Alliance. As such, they join forces to promote awareness of Circular Economy, exchange good practises, engage in knowledge and technology transfer, and become a collective knowledge hub that empowers a coordinated and expedited transition.

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We have signed the Sustainable Creative Charter

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We support students and wider society to learn, act and lead for environmental justice .

Take action for sustainability.

Here’s how students can get involved in our work to deliver a more environmentally just world. Not a student? Check out our work . ‍

Book an Invest for Change workshop

Find out more about Invest for Change and get started campaigning!

Make more sustainable food choices

Use our 15 step checklist to help you work towards eating more sustainably

Listen to the Liberating Sustainability podcast

Our podcast series with an intersectional take on the climate emergency

Become a pilot or ambassador for our ethical banking campaign

Our workshop supports students in choosing a more ethical bank account.

Email your University Finance Director

What is your university's money funding? Ask them

Save money and energy in your home

Our top tips for a warm and efficient home

Take sustainable actions in your student accommodation

Volunteer, take part in competitions and view tips on sustainable living

Read about links between sustainability & intersectionality

Check out our compilation of intersectionality and sustainability resources

Sign up to the sustainable accommodation newsletter

Make your accommodation more sustainable at university

More actions

Change is urgently needed to tackle the injustices and unsustainability in our world

We believe education can bring about that change. SOS-UK is a student-led education charity focusing on sustainability - we know environmental sustainability cannot be achieved in isolation, so our work spans across issues of justice and wellbeing as well.

What we've been up to

Join us for the 10th annual Student Sustainability Summit in Lancaster!

Join us for the 10th annual Student Sustainability Summit in Lancaster!

February 22, 2024

We are excited to announce our 10th annual Student Sustainability Summit, which we are holding in partnership with Lancaster University Students' Union! Join us in Lancaster on 29th May 2024.

The Big Hog Friendly Litter Pick Challenge 2023

The Big Hog Friendly Litter Pick Challenge 2023

December 15, 2023

Results released today: Which campus had the biggest Trash Total? Teams were tasked with the challenge of picking the most litter in the #Pick4Prickles 2023 challenge and they didn’t disappoint!

Welcome to our new University partners!

Welcome to our new University partners!

November 16, 2023

Meet the Universities joining Green Impact for the academic year 2023-24.

Invest for Change Wins at Glasgow Caledonian University

Invest for Change Wins at Glasgow Caledonian University

November 10, 2023

Read about Invest for Change's latest campaign win at Glasgow Caledonian University

Youth launch their unified statement on climate education

Youth launch their unified statement on climate education

August 16, 2023

Youth worldwide join the Mock Education Ministers Summit to raise ambition for quality climate education.

More articles

We partner with students, universities, organisations and funders to drive change

This is what some of them say about us

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Student project leader

Shape sustainability impact project.

I have understood more about the need for an interdisciplinary approach to tackling sustainability issues, and how there needs to be more action from everyone at all levels.

Student Green Impact Auditor

Student Green Impact Auditor

University of sheffield.

I thoroughly enjoyed [my experience as a Green Impact auditor] and it was fantastic to collaborate with fellow students, support the University's sustainability efforts and develop plenty of skills throughout the day.

Student Fairtrade University Auditor

Student Fairtrade University Auditor

It was great to understand the ways a University could embed Fairtrade and wider sustainability practices through its research, curriculum and procurement.

Sara Kassam, Sustainability Lead

Sara Kassam, Sustainability Lead

We chose SOS-UK to launch our sustainability learning and development programme due to their vast experience in staff engagement and tailored approach to meeting our needs. The webinars delivered have been well-constructed and thought-provoking, with an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees!

students sustainability projects

Students embrace sustainable forest management to mitigate climate change

students sustainability projects

Activities to advance sustainability on campus and beyond, including forest management and carbon sequestration plans, have found wide resonance within the Canadore College community. SUPPLIED

Canadore College students are championing the college’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2031 by being involved in a number of sustainability initiatives. The latest project is the creation of forest management and carbon sequestration plans for the forested land on the College Drive campus in North Bay, Ontario.

This is Canadore’s second project through the Colleges and Institutes Canada ImpAct-Climate Campus Living Labs project. As a signatory to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Accord, Canadore College is committed to embedding the SDGs into its education, research, leadership, operations, administration and engagement activities.

Students have participated in all phases of the project: from inventory and data collection to planting more than 100 trees on campus.

students sustainability projects

“Our group planted 16 trees. It was a great opportunity to help build the Canadore forest and use an empty space at the college,” says second-year environmental technician student Ethan Johnston.

“A forest management plan for our institution’s extensive acreage is an excellent opportunity for students to apply their environmental studies skillset in a project with meaningful outcomes,” says Jeremy St. Onge, a professor in Canadore’s School of Environmental Studies. “Opportunities for students to engage in real-world environmental projects, such as the Campus Living Lab project, become stand-out resumé items, which place Canadore College graduates above their competition.”

The benefits of increasing tree cover are well recognized. They include bolstering air purification and climate change mitigation, stabilizing the ground and reducing erosion, increasing biodiversity, boosting human well-being through expanding spaces for recreation, and more.

For the students, employees and community members involved, this project provides them with an opportunity to connect with nature and to learn how it can help mitigate the effects of climate change. — Jesse Russell, Project Lead, Sustainable Canadore College

It’s no wonder activities to advance sustainability on campus and beyond have found wide resonance within the Canadore College community – and with learners enrolled in a variety of programs.

“I am not studying in an environmental program; I am pursuing avionics maintenance,” says Alex Mathew. “As a student who loves nature, it is my responsibility to learn how to take better care of the forest and to share this knowledge.”

Knowing about forest inventory and preservation are “everyone’s responsibility, and it is always good to learn and take part in such projects,” he adds.

students sustainability projects

“For the students, employees and community members involved, this project provides them with an opportunity to connect with nature and to learn how it can help mitigate the effects of climate change,” says Jesse Russell, Sustainable Canadore project lead. “Our goal for this project is that it is intergenerational and multicultural. Regardless of background, location or age, we hope to promote that our forests must be sustainably managed.”

By translating its commitment to sustainability into concrete action, Canadore College is effecting meaningful change in both its own and the wider community, today and for generations to come.

Advertising feature produced by Randall Anthony Communications with Colleges and Institutes Canada. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.

Interact with The Globe

students sustainability projects

ASM Sustainability

The Sustainability Committee is one of the five open committees of the Associated Students of Madison (ASM), focusing primarily on environmental sustainability at UW-Madison. As a committee, we identify pressing environmental issues on campus and organize grassroots campaigns to promote sustainable solutions. The goal of this committee is to advocate for administrative and operational changes related to environmental stewardship, and ultimately create a more sustainable campus. We often connect with the greater Madison community to expand our efforts and advance our shared vision of sustainability. We also coordinate with other open committees, such as Legislative Affairs and Equity and Inclusion Committee , to work on environmental policy and environmental justice issues.

Committee members work together in teams on semester-long campaigns relating to environmental education, compost, water, energy, plastics, and more. Any student is welcome to join throughout the year, we are excited to hear your ideas for a more sustainable campus!

Click here to view the Sustainability Committee meeting schedule .

For more information, contact the Sustainability Chair: [email protected] , or the Sustainability Campaign Coordinators: [email protected]

Food Resources For Winter Break

For students staying on or around campus during winter break, here is a list of food resources and information about how to access free food in the Madison community during this time.

Getting Involved!

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Join an Environmental or Sustainability Related Student Organization!

For a complete list of all environmental or sustainability related student organizations, visit this page on the Office of Sustainability’s website.

Join an Open Committee Meeting

Click here to view the Sustainability Committee Meeting schedule

Each committee meeting is open to UW–Madison students.

Apply for a Green Fund Project

The UW–Madison Green Fund supports student-initiated projects that address the environmental footprint, social impact, and operating costs of campus facilities. All students are welcome to apply.

Become an ASM Intern

Learn more about the ASM Intern Program here . Application is on the website at the bottom.

Submit Your Opinion to the Office of Sustainability

Do you have feedback for the Office of Sustainability? Want to lend your voice to what projects happen on campus? If so, visit this website to do so! The feedback provided will be collected and used to inform program and project development.

If you are unsure of which projects the Office of Sustainability is currently working on, or have any questions, please contact their Student Engagement Liaison, Maya Barwick, at [email protected]

Come to the OS's "Office Office Hours"!

This event is designed to increase transparency from the OS, increase engagement from students who are interested in sustainability by sharing any and all kinds of information, as well as take feedback from students about what they would like to see done on campus in regard to sustainability. You can find more details here .

Meet Our Team

students sustainability projects

Christina Treacy

Position title: Sustainability Chair

Email: sustainability @asm.wisc.edu

students sustainability projects

Hannah Stahmann

Position title: Sustainability Co-Coordinator

Email: sustainability.campaigns @asm.wisc.edu

Are you a part of student organization that you think could benefit from being sponsored by the Office of Sustainability? Sponsorship includes access to a wider amount of resources, increased collaborations with the Office of Sustainability, and being a priority for the Office’s Student Engagement Liaison.  If you are interested, please fill out this application .  If you have any questions, please contact the Student Engagement Liaison, Maya Barwick, at [email protected]

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100 Innovative Shark Tank Project Ideas for Students

Table of Contents

Shark Tank is a popular television show in which people from several backgrounds will pitch their unique business ideas to a panel of experienced investors and seek funding and guidance to achieve their dreams. Are you a student who is passionate about becoming an entrepreneur? Have you ever wanted to propose your creative ideas on a platform like Shark Tank? If yes, then you are at the right destination. In this blog, we have shared 100 fascinating Shark Tank Project Ideas for students from different backgrounds and interests. In addition to that, we have also shared the benefits of Shark Tank projects and how to generate project ideas for Shark Tank.

Explore the entire blog and get innovative Shark Tank project ideas.

Advantages of Shark Tank Projects for Students

Nowadays, many students dream of becoming entrepreneurs but have no idea how to begin their entrepreneurial journey. If you also belong to that category, then without any hesitation, participate in the Shark Tank show. Especially, by working on Shark Tank projects, students can gain numerous benefits as listed below.

  • Shark Tank projects provide a hands-on learning experience.
  • It helps students solve real-life puzzles with a sense of creativity.
  • By working on Shark Tank projects, students can learn to budget, pricing, and financial management.
  • Shark Tank is all about pitching and defending big entrepreneurial ideas. Hence it transforms students into communication wizards.
  • Working on Shark Tank projects will help students improve their problem-solving skills, leadership skills, and team management skills.
  • Shark Tank is a good networking platform where students can mingle with people from different fields and get future career connections.
  • Taking charge of Shark Tank projects will make a student responsible, confident, and creative.

To put it briefly, Shark Tank projects are similar to an interesting playground where students may study, have fun, and lay the groundwork for their amazing futures.

Learn How to Generate Shark Tank Project Ideas

Shark Tank Project Ideas

To impress the Shark Tank panel of investors, an excellent project idea is essential. In case, you are unsure how to generate creative Shark Tank student Project ideas, follow the tips suggested below. It will help you to come up with an ideal project idea.

  • Look for problems around you in your neighborhood, school, or daily life so that you may get some sparkling project ideas.
  • No matter whether your idea is sane or insane, call your buddies and brainstorm. Mostly, several best project ideas will be generated from group discussions.
  • Pick certain project ideas and analyze them from a marketing perspective. It will give you a clear picture of to whom your idea will reach out.
  • Consult with your teachers, experts, or mentors. Getting knowledge from them will help you identify a specific problem and potential solutions to it.
  • Always keep an eye on ideas that are relevant to the trending concepts, gadgets, and technologies in the world.
  • If you have some outstanding project ideas, share them with everyone you know and get their feedback. It will help you to determine which idea will work for you.
  • Give preference to the project idea that you are passionate about. You can work with a lot of excitement and fun, only if an idea is interesting to you.
  • Choose an idea that has the power to change the world or make the world a better place to live in.
  • Consider a project that has a long-lasting solution.
  • Always go with a project idea that is simple and original.

Also Read: 50+ Interesting DBMS Project Ideas for Students

List of the Best Shark Tank Project Ideas for Students

If you find it difficult to identify an excellent Shark Tank project idea, explore the list published below. In the list, under different categories, we have shared several captivating Shark Tank project ideas for students.

Remember, these project ideas will help students to get practical learning experience with real-world projects. In addition to that, it will boost their creativity to the next level and assist them in learning new concepts useful for their academic journey.

Outstanding Shark Tank Project Ideas on Education

  • Build an AI-based learning app for creating personalized study plans.
  • Create a virtual chemistry lab to conduct safe and engaging experiments.
  • Develop a geography-based treasure hunt app for learning about other countries.
  • Build an app that teaches teenagers about financial literacy.
  • Create interactive narrative software for enhancing reading abilities.
  • Develop a virtual history museum app that provides immersive experiences.
  • Create a science-themed escape room game for education.
  • Develop an AI-based tutoring platform.
  • Create a coding and programming app for children.
  • Build Physics simulation software for learning tough topics.

Environment and Sustainability Shark Tank Project Ideas

  • Create a sustainable fashion label that uses recycled materials.
  • Make eco-friendly menstruation products.
  • Build solar-powered charging stations for public areas.
  • Develop a water-saving irrigation system for gardens.
  • Make an urban gardening kit for producing food at home.
  • Design a home energy management system to reduce electricity use.
  • Build a meal-sharing app to help prevent food waste.
  • Create Biodegradable and edible cutlery products.
  • Provide an electric bike-sharing service in urban areas.
  • Build a waste-reduction app to track and minimize personal waste.

Amazing Shark Tank Project Ideas on Health and Wellness

  • Create a nutrition app for creating personalized meal plans.
  • Develop a mindfulness and meditation app for children.
  • Make a wearable gadget to monitor posture.
  • Build a sleep monitoring and improvement gadget.
  • Create a stress-relieving app that provides a virtual reality experience.
  • Develop a fitness app with customizable workout regimens.
  • Build a mobile application for monitoring and treating chronic conditions.
  • Develop a mental health chatbot that provides quick assistance.
  • Make a hydration reminder bottle that incorporates smart technology.
  • Offer an allergy-friendly meal subscription service.

Technology and Gadgets Shark Tank Project Ideas

  • Build a smart home helper for older people.
  • Create a voice-activated home automation system.
  • Develop a home security drone for surveillance.
  • Make a gadget for finding misplaced keys and belongings.
  • Build augmented reality interior design software.
  • Develop a gizmo for limiting screen time and digital temptations.
  • Make a virtual reality-powered fitness platform.
  • Build language translation software for travelers.
  • Make a device for detecting indoor air quality.
  • Develop a compact solar-powered phone charger.

Shark Tank Project Ideas on Business and Entrepreneurship

  • Tech Repair Service
  • Handmade Jewelry Business
  • Student-Run Bookstore
  • Student Art Gallery
  • Event Planning Company
  • Custom T-Shirt Printing Service
  • Online Clothing Boutique
  • Student-Run Coffee Shop
  • Local Food Delivery Service
  • Social Media Management Agency

Fashion Shark Tank Project Ideas

  • Create a sustainable footwear brand that uses recycled materials.
  • Build a fashion brand that specializes in gender-neutral clothes.
  • Run a clothing company that repurposes antique fabrics.
  • Create a sustainable fashion accessory line.
  • Develop a customizable fashion platform for creating your outfit.
  • Create a collection of environmentally friendly activewear.
  • Develop a fashion app that provides virtual try-ons and advice.
  • Run a clothes rental business for special events.
  • Create a marketplace for purchasing and selling pre-owned apparel.
  • Build a clothing brand that promotes fair labor practices.

Also Read: 120 Amazing Robotics Project Ideas for Students

Excellent Shark Tank Student Project Ideas

  • Build a platform connecting volunteers with disaster relief efforts.
  • Offer a subscription service for healthy meal kits.
  • Develop a platform for user-generated short films and animations.
  • Make an app for reporting and addressing local community issues.
  • Create a food donation app for restaurants and individuals.
  • Manage a sustainable seafood restaurant with traceable sourcing.
  • Develop a mobile app for collaborative storytelling.
  • Create a virtual reality travel planning tool.
  • Build a mobile app for spontaneous road trips.
  • Create a tool for efficient and waste-reducing home gardening.

Captivating Shark Tank Project Ideas for Students

  • Develop a crowdfunding platform for social and environmental causes.
  • Build a zero-waste grocery store with reusable containers.
  • Offer a subscription service for digital comic books and graphic novels.
  • Make a backpack with built-in solar charging capabilities.
  • Build a mobile app to identify and support independent musicians.
  • Develop a platform to connect solo travelers with travel companions.
  • Create a peer-to-peer tutoring network for underprivileged students.
  • Develop and sell eco-friendly cleaning products.
  • Provide a snack subscription service focused on healthy snacks.
  • Serve unique flavors of homemade ice cream.

Innovative Shark Tank Project Ideas

  • Build a tool to promote kindness and positivity on social media.
  • Create a mental health support group for teenagers.
  • Develop a mobile app to reduce food allergies when dining out.
  • Build an interactive storytelling podcast app.
  • Make a travel app for finding eco-friendly accommodations.
  • Make an innovative reusable water bottle with purification features.
  • Provide grooming and pet care services for dogs and cats.
  • Develop a community garden project to promote urban farming.
  • Build an app to report and address local community issues.
  • Create a platform to connect volunteers with disaster relief efforts.

Creative Shark Tank Project Ideas for Students

  • Develop a mobile app for tracking and reducing carbon footprint.
  • Create a platform to connect local farmers with consumers.
  • Make a virtual reality travel documentary series.
  • Develop a platform to connect volunteers with disaster relief efforts.
  • Provide remote technical support for common tech issues.
  • Create a platform to connect seniors with companionship services.
  • Develop a mobile app to track and reduce carbon footprint.
  • Open a store that sells sustainable and educational toys.
  • Prepare and sell healthy homemade baby food.

Wrapping Up

From the above-suggested numerous Shark Tank project ideas for students, choose any idea that is interesting and comfortable for you to work on. In case, it is troublesome for you to do your project, contact us right away. On our platform, we have well-experienced assignment helpers from different educational backgrounds. Based on your specifications, our subject experts will assist you in completing your Shark Tank project on time. Furthermore, with their assistance, you can widen your subject knowledge and develop other essential skills needed for your entrepreneurial and academic journey.

Just book your order now and get high-quality assignment help online from top industry experts at an affordable price.

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Sarah Anderson outside the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, in the Netherlands

Applying the Science of Horticulture

Sarah anderson.

When many of us are still drinking our morning coffee in Minnesota, it’s 5 p.m. in the Netherlands, where Sarah Anderson (MPS '23) is spending the year working as a project assistant at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, a natural history museum and research institute. 

Sarah’s current project centers on European Union regulations, specifically a new regulation called CSRD (corporate sustainability reporting directive), which mandates that companies of a certain size report on their impact and dependencies on nature. She works alongside a team that uses geospatial analysis to locate the intersections of operational sites with protected areas, national parks, and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) threatened and endangered species, for some examples.

Her work often relates to what she studied in the MPS in Horticulture program , and she enjoys using her knowledge and skills in an area she cares deeply about. “Even for an industry like mining, we are looking closely at the loss of plant species and how that alters the ecosystem services. It is all interconnected. I use my degree most though when evaluating agricultural impacts on biodiversity, which is a major opportunity area for conservation.”

A Passion for Sustainability

As an undergraduate, Sarah studied biology and environmental studies at Gustavus Adolphus College. During the summer after her junior year, she lived and worked on Common Harvest Farm, an ecological farm in Osceola, WI. “It was my first hands-on experience with local food production,” she says. “It really helped me connect with where my food comes from. Growing up, my mom was really into gardening, and that inspired me, too.”

A red barn with sunflowers growing alon one side

Sarah knew that she wanted to continue her studies. It was the spring of 2020, and despite the pandemic, she decided to pursue her goal of attending graduate school. She built her Horticulture degree around sustainable agriculture and organic farming. 

“The classes that I took also inspired more of a specific career goal, which is to work at the intersection of sustainable agriculture and ecology,” she says. “How can we produce food that feeds the world in a way that doesn't harm the environment?” 

Sarah also had the opportunity to explore a personal passion for local flowers through her capstone research project. Her research demonstrated that local cut-flower farms can provide nectar, pollen, and habitat resources to pollinators, and that these farms could benefit consumers, growers, and the environment.

(You can read about Sarah’s research in her article “ Environmental Benefits of Local Cut Flower Production ” on the Department of Horticulture Science’s website.)

Why She Chose the MPS in Horticulture

For Sarah, it really came down to the applicability and diversity of what she was learning, “whether it was hands-on experiments, working in the field, but the wide variety of classes” she could take. “I see a lot of value in taking the knowledge produced in academia and really connecting it to the people that would use it.”

With help of her advisor, she chose courses that interested her and helped her get closer to her career goals. “I never felt  limited in terms of what direction I could take my degree,” she says.

While Sarah isn’t exactly sure about her next step, the MPS degree program exposed her to the many different areas she could dive into. “Horticulture is the art and science of vegetables, fruits, and trees, but it's also the food system,” she says. “There are a lot of things beyond just the growing of food that it encompasses. I think that was really attractive to me, because going into the program, I didn’t want a very narrow focus.”

Memorable Instructors and Courses

A white barn and silos in the distance past a meadow

Professors Julie Grossman and Mary Rogers   “Prior to pursuing my master's, I didn't fully understand the quantity and variety of experiments involving farming. Seeing the science behind it was really novel for me, and I think Julie and Mary did a great job of showcasing all that you can do in this field. I think some people are confused when I say I got my master's in horticulture, but it's so much more than that. I think they really helped me see that, which is really exciting.”

Capstone Advisor Brandon Miller   “He was incredibly supportive and taught me so much. He walked me through setting up the experiment and really encouraged me to develop a manuscript, which was something that I hadn't done before. He went above and beyond to make sure I succeeded.”

Statistics for Natural Resource Professionals “It was a course that I challenged myself to take, and I didn't initially know if I was going to enjoy it. But I really, really liked it, and now in my work today I use that on different projects.”

Advice for Students

  • Form a network. “I think it really helps you after you graduate. The professors are extremely connected and can lead you to new, interesting projects that you might not have previously considered. Lean into that network and really get to know professors. Don't be afraid to inquire about independent studies or projects, because there are more opportunities out there.”
  • Take a mixture of classes that both interest and challenge you. “There's a lot to be said for following your passions. But like the example I gave about the statistics class, I think I was looking into the future and thinking, okay, what do I want to do for my career? What could potentially be beneficial for me to take?” 
  • Apply for scholarships. “I felt like there was a lot of opportunity for scholarships through CCAPS. I was really surprised at how many opportunities there were for funding.” (Visit our Financial Aid page for more information.)

Sarah received Nolte Miller and Ingrid Lenz Harrison scholarships .

All photos courtesy of Sarah Anderson: Sarah at Naturalis Biodiversity Center and Common Harvest Farm in Osceola, WI.

Mia Boos is a writer and content strategist with the College of Continuing and Professional Studies, covering the College’s graduate programs and undergraduate individualized degree programs. She joined the CCAPS Marketing team in 2014 and has worked for Thomson Reuters and New York University. Connect with her via LinkedIn . 

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