LSF's Sustainable Future Schools
A whole-school approach to sustainability learning and action
What are Sustainable Future Schools?
The Sustainable Future School (SFS) initiative, launched by Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF), is a whole-school approach that supports schools K-12 in integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into school culture, the curriculum, operations, and community partnerships.
By using the SDGs as a context, SFS empowers students, educators, parents, and community members to learn about real-world sustainability issues and take meaningful, tangible action together.
Since all schools are different, SFS offers a flexible framework and planning tools to help schools design their own path toward sustainability in a way that reflects local context and student needs.
Why become a Sustainable Future School?
Youth need the knowledge, skills and values to thrive in our rapidly changing world and become resilient, problem-solving global citizens. SFS uses the SDGs as a lens to:
- Introduce students to local and global sustainability issues – from local gardens, to single-use plastics, to green jobs, to food insecurity, to gender equality, and more!
- Provide an authentic context for building the knowledge and skills to tackle complex issues – bring learning to life through real-world data and problem-solving.
- Inspire students to make a difference in their own community – give students the opportunity to act on their learning, moving from awareness of an issue to identifying solutions and working towards change.
- Improve energy, waste, and water efficiency – whole-school collaboration between students, teachers, administrators, and custodial staff to integrate resource-saving actions with curriculum learning.
- Support transformative teaching strategies – including integrated learning, inquiry, real-world connections, acting on learning, alternative perspectives, and learning locally.
Our Impact
Across Canada, we currently have…
- 108 SFS Schools
- 28,933 Students Engaged
- 2,056 Teachers/Educators Engaged
But let’s hear from some SFS participants themselves!
Getting Started
Ready to begin your school’s SFS journey? Fill out the contact form below to get started!
What you’ll receive as an SFS:
- SFS program framework and strategy guide to help you get started
- Professional development (PD) sessions, ongoing PD support, and monthly mentoring cafe
- Early & priority access to apply for funding to support student-led sustainability Action Projects
- Exclusive (and free!) Resources including videos, lesson plans, outdoor activities, games, and more
- Invitations for 1-2 classes to participate in Youth Leadership Forums
- Exclusive SFS event invitations where you can network with other like-minded schools/teachers, including ‘Hub Days’ (regionally, where applicable)
- Opportunities for students to present their projects at LSF events
Great question! The SDGs were created by the United Nations as a set of 17 interconnected goals in 2015 to weave together economic, social, and environmental dimensions for a safer, healthier, and more prosperous world by 2030. The SDGs are grouped into the 5 Ps: Planet, People, Prosperity, Peace, Partnerships.
Together, the SDGs provide a shared global vision and language that everyone can use to take action on real-world issues.
Nope! Participation in the SFS initiative is completely free. LSF provides the framework, planning tools, resources, and support at no cost to schools in Canada.
The program is designed for grades K-12, so any school in Canada—elementary, middle, or secondary—can participate. SFS can be adapted to a variety of contexts, including urban, rural, public, and independent schools.
Not at all! SFS is designed to support schools at all stages—whether you’re just starting to explore sustainability or already have ongoing projects, we’ve got you covered. LSF provides guidance, tools, and mentorship every step of the way.
This project was undertaken with the financial support of:
