What if sustainability leadership wasn’t a club — but an elected role in every class? In France, that’s exactly what’s happening. Middle and high schools are required to elect eco-delegates — student representatives whose explicit role is to lead and support sustainability efforts within their school. Each eco-delegate has four core responsibilities:

• Develop sustainability projects with peers

• Act as ambassadors to school leadership and external partners

• Report on and evaluate progress

• Share knowledge and mobilize classmates

France’s approach reminds us that whole-school sustainability is about participation. It’s about giving students formal authority to shape their environment. If your school is exploring ways to deepen student leadership in sustainability, this model is worth a closer look.

At the same time, biodiversity is collapsing. The 2024 Living Planet Report shows wildlife populations have declined by 73% in the past 50 years. School landscapes can either contribute to that loss — or help reverse it. Native planting, organic practices, healthy soils, and water-wise irrigation reduce chemical use, cut costs, absorb stormwater, capture carbon, and restore habitat.

Managed well, school grounds become powerful teaching tools — demonstrating how to work with nature, not against it.

Looking for Inspiration?
What about a Pocket Forest! 

Under the guidance of science teacher Neelam Patil, elementary students at Berkely Unified School District (California, USA) planted Miyawaki forests—dense, fast-growing native micro-forests. These projects not only enhance biodiversity but also serve as hands-on climate education, empowering students to take tangible action against climate change. Learn more and watch a  2-minute video.

“It eliminates a lot more carbon than a normal forest, it grows faster than a normal forest, and it lets in more wildlife.” - fifth grader Leo Niknejad.

First step?

Start by reviewing current practices around pesticides, biodiversity, soil health, and water use. A simple site assessment reveals strengths, gaps, and clear next steps.

It’s also an ideal student-led investigation! As students audit the campus and develop recommendations, they deepen their understanding of biodiversity, ecosystems, soil health, and water systems — turning theory into hands-on learning.

Find more resources for sustainable school grounds management in our Sustainable Schools Community > #40: Grounds Management.

We’re excited to welcome the following schools to the START community:

• Head-Royce School, California, USA

• Peddie School, New Jersey, USA

• Premier Charter School, Missouri, USA

• Shawnigan Lake School, British Columbia, Canada

• Oregon Episcopal School, Oregon, USA

• The Lawrenceville School, New Jersey, USA

• Mulgrave School, British Columbia, USA

• Seven Hills School, Ohio, USA

• Rockhurst High School, Missouri, USA

These schools are taking a proactive step to benchmark their sustainability performance, identify strengths, and map out practical next actions across Educational Programs, Organizational Culture, and Physical Place. See a map of our START schools here.

🌍 Interested in Joining?

If your school is ready to move from good intentions to measurable action, we’d love to talk. 👉 Book a chat + demo to explore whether START is a fit for your school.

🌎 Get More from the
Sustainable Schools Community

Did you know there are 800+ adult school sustainability champions from around the world inside our Sustainable Schools Community?

This isn’t just a resource library it’s a professional network of people actively leading change in their schools!

Inside, you can:

• Connect with peers working in school sustainability

• Ask questions and share answers

• Private message members

• Share your school sustainability stories

• Access how-to guides, case studies, and templates across 50+ sustainability metrics

There’s even a free mobile app — so if you’re going to scroll, scroll somewhere that actually moves your work forward! (Download Mighty Networks > Search “Sustainable Schools Community”)

Join the conversation. Answer this quick hot-cold poll!

__________________________

Global Student Changemaker Contest

Apply by April 22, 2026

The Educated Choices Program focuses on empowering healthy, sustainable food choices. Educators around the world are invited to submit student posters, poems, and creative work. All entries may receive recognition on ECP’s website, social media, newsletter, and other materials, and selected winners will also receive a physical, personally engraved award. Learn more.

__________________________

Young Reporters for the Environment

Apply by June, 2026

The Young Reporters for the Environment programme is an international network & platform for young people to investigate, research and share solutions to global environmental issues. The 2025-2026 YRE International competition is for young people aged 11-25 and centers around the theme of food security & climate change.

__________________________

Trust for Sustainable Living Student Competition

Apply by June, 2026

TSL International Student Competition – Sustainability Culture
TSL invites students aged 7–18 (worldwide) to share their ideas and perspectives on Sustainability Culture. Students can submit one free entry in a wide range of formats, including artwork, music, video, podcast, writing, or creative pieces. Entries must be submitted via the TSL Competition Platform by a registered Teacher Champion (teacher/parent account required). Learn More.

___________________________

Upcoming Dates

• March 3rd: World Wildlife Day

• March 14th: International Day of Action for Rivers

• March 18th: World Recycling Day

• Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM local time: Earth Hour

• March 30th: International Day of Zero Waste

  Learn more dates for awareness and action + find activity ideas in the GSA Community > #1: Events.

Your support enables us to continue our work in developing tools and programs that empower schools and students to make measurable change for a more sustainable, regenerative and climate-resilient future.