Learning about sustainability: greener schools across Europe

Environmental education helps pupils understand today’s challenges and act on sustainability beyond the environment, across social, economic and wellbeing dimensions.  

Experts engage teachers and pupils with sustainability  

School-expert partnerships can strengthen sustainability understanding and practice. For example, Iselin Berg highlighted how sustainable learning spaces – from acoustics to green walls or gardens – can support sustainability education. Teacher agency is key to making the most of the school natural surroundings, leading pupils by example. 

To engage pupils in these topics, the European School Brussels III invites experts to present sustainability themes during lessons and respond to pupils’ questions. 

• Sustainable learning environments: crucial spaces in education, by Iselin Berg, research manager at Verian Group
• Promoting sustainability and active citizenship, a video featuring the European School Brussels III 

Communities inspiring sustainability action 

Whole school involvement in sustainability goals, supported by international communities like eTwinning, Erasmus+ or Scientix, helps drive long-term action for the planet.  

Browse the featured articles below to see how teachers and schools across Europe work together to shape sustainability learning. Topics include green holiday habits, ocean literacy, teaching sustainability through science, covering various age groups and teaching needs. 

• Learning about sustainability in schools across Europe
• Educating children about sustainability through STEM   
• The Blue Schools group: connecting Europe through the ocean, by Tomasz Ordza, biology, chemistry and science teacher in Poland, and Dominika Wojcieszek, project manager at the European Marine Science Educators Association (EMSEA)  

Resources for your school’s sustainability initiatives 

Read insights from the European Commission’s report on learning for sustainability and bookmark the 12 guiding factsheets on strengthening sustainability in schools. You can also explore the report on the link between sustainability and wellbeing, with recommendations for school leaders and national authorities on building a better education infrastructure.  

For classroom practice, the Life Terra project offers a free interactive environmental education programme with lessons, guides for teachers and ready-to-use worksheets. 

• Learning for sustainability in Europe’s schools: new resources from the European Commission
• School learning environments for sustainability in the EU
• Terra Mission: bringing environmental education to young pupils   

Professional development opportunities 

Explore webinar recordings and courses for self-paced learning and see how you can implement sustainable change at different levels – from creating greener school environments to offering individual support to pupils with eco-anxiety.