We can make real and lasting change

NSW Education can lead in key areas of sustainability. Every day, millions of people interact with us as an education provider and a NSW Government agency. Our influence extends past school gates into our local communities, to the wider education sector and beyond.

Areas where we can make a significant impact

• Preparing young people: Equipping young people to respond effectively to emerging challenges, today and in the future.
• Our culture: Empowering our students, staff and school communities to innovate and apply sustainability principles and innovation.
• Built environment: With more than 2,200 schools across NSW, even small improvements in school design, construction and operation result in big outcomes.
• Spend: Influencing supply chains by sourcing goods and services that are sustainable and ethical.
• Reach: Leveraging our network to boost our impact through engagement, research and partnerships.

Our 5 sustainability priorities

• Unlock human potential: Empower each person with the health, wellbeing, confidence, creativity and resources to succeed.
• Foster connections: Embed respect and caring for Country, nature, history, diversity and community.
• Act on climate change: Achieve net zero emissions.
• Consume responsibly: Operate efficiently, design out waste and uphold high labour and environmental standards in our supply chain.
• Build resilience: Equip school communities to withstand and adapt to change.

We will be guided by these principles

• Connect with Country and learn from Aboriginal knowledge.
• Find the best solutions through collaboration and engagement with school communities, other government agencies, industry, experts and beyond.
• Take an evidence-based approach while remaining adaptable, innovative, inspiring and hopeful.
• Respect the role and lived experience of every student, teacher, staff and community member.
• Allocate adequate resources to support us to achieve our goals.
• Identify and avoid unintended consequences.

Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration (2019)

NSW Education is a signatory to the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration (2019).

As outlined in the Declaration, we will deliver a world-class education system that encourages and supports every student to be the very best they can be, no matter where they live or what kind of learning challenges they may face. Our sustainability commitment will help us achieve our obligations under the Declaration, so that students:

• become active and informed members of the community, who have empathy for the circumstances of others
• work for the common good
• sustain and improve natural and social environments.