How to enter

What are the award categories?

Project submissions will be considered in five categories, and champions of sustainability will be selected on the basis of how projects demonstrate a vision for a sustainable future.  It is possible a submitted idea may fall into more than one category; however each project may only win in one.

• BUILT ENVIRONMENT  - This category rewards outstanding student design relating to the built environment. Projects may cover areas such as building design, urban design (sustainable cities) and materials use.
• OPEN SPACES  - This category focuses on ideas that encourage better design of outdoor spaces in our cities, villages, communities, schools, etc.
• GREEN PRODUCT DESIGN  - Concept and process are keys for success in this category.  Students are encouraged to undergo a design process in evolving a concept, product or device as a technological aid to sustainable living.
• VISION FOR THE FUTURE - This category recognises innovative ideas and solutions for the future of our communities - anything from community events and environmental activism, to transport solutions and ideas for everyday living.
• SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS  (whole school projects only) - This category encourages outstanding initiatives and contributions that schools are making towards sustainability through greening their operations and curriculum.
  

Consideration will be given to both junior and senior projects.

All projects will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Identifying issues  (problem identification)
• Investigating sustainability  (understanding of sustainability)
• Exploring solutions  (design and action of concept/solution)
• Communicating your learning  (communication)
  

Who can enter?
The SLC is open to every high school student, their teacher and school in Australia.


Sustainability is about equity and is relevant to all contexts. As a result, every effort is worthy at every level of ability - wherever you are in Australia and whatever level of resources your school has. This is a program that is designed for all schools.

Given the complex nature of sustainability, the SLC is relevant to all key learning areas. The program provides a framework that can link diverse subject areas and foster collaboration across departments or stages.


You do not have to create a specific project for the SLC, although many do. You can also use this umbrella program to obtain national recognition for the work you are doing in conjunction with other environmental and sustainability initiatives.

So anyone can take on the Challenge! Individual students, whole classes... even whole schools and their communities. But remember, the aim of the SLC is not to create more work for teachers; it is to support and recognise the amazing work that is already happening.



How to submit a project
A submission to the SLC is essentially an opportunity for you and your school to profile and share your story. Sharing stories is important because you take time to reflect on what you have learned and how you communicate your ideas. You also have the opportunity to do justice for all your hard work. The process of documenting your project is a critical part of the learning process fostered by the program. It is also a useful tool for raising awareness about your project and the activities of your school. There are two ways that you can take part:


1. Submit online via the SLC website
Complete the project submission form online. This is the quickest way to profile your work.  With our online form you can:

• take your time to answer questions, you can save drafts and come back at a later stage to complete all the answers
• review your answers before you submit your project
• attach photos and images to support your submission
• attach your class list for student certificates
• generate a receipt of your submission for your archives
  

To submit your project online you will need your login details (user name and password). These details were emailed to you when you registered. If you forgot your login, click here, enter your details and we will email you your login details.

Click here to login to your home page and submit your project.


2. Submit electronically via email

Click here to download the project submission form (a word document) or request a form via email. There is one form for all types of projects. Complete the questions and email your completed project form with your images and class list to projects@sustainableliving.com.au.


For all submissions
You will receive an email notification that your project submission form has been received. This may take a few days. If you have not received this email within a week, please contact the Program Director on (02) 9385 4979 or email info@sustainableliving.com.au.

Hard copy resources such as student portfolios, posters, multimedia resources will not be accepted for submission. Any supporting material must be specifically referenced in your project submission form. Images, documents, presentations, videos may be attached to the submission form.

If you have problems submitting your project form electronically please contact the Program Director on (02) 9385 4979 or email info@sustainableliving.com.au.


What to include in your submission
The submission form includes these key questions to encourage students to reflect on their learning:

1.  Title of your submission

2.  Brief description of your submission (no more than 50 words)

3.  Document how your project addresses these criteria (500 words max):

• Identify the sustainability issue(s) and identify your target audience.
  

• Define the problem - what is your project addressing or trying to change?
• Can you or do you explore the interconnectedness of related issues (environmental, social, economic and cultural)
• Outline the planning and research you did.  Identify the impact(s) of your project.
• How did you (or will you) communicate your project's achievements and success?
• Did you (or will you) talk with others about your project?  Did you write a report or a speech, build a model, create a PowerPoint presentation? Did you (or will you) share the outcomes with others in your school or in your community?
  

4.  Did you learn anything new about your sustainability challenge or about yourself while doing this project?


5.  What does sustainable living mean to you?


Every project submitted receives recognition in the form of personalised certificates from the UNSW, the UNEP and the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014).

Teachers also have the opportunity to become a Sustainable Living Champion by sharing their sustainability education programs and entering the Teach Sustainability Award.



Need some inspiration?  Click here to read about past SLC projects.

The fine print

• Individual feedback is not provided on submissions
• All reprints and corrections on certificates must be finalised before the end of term 1 each year.