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September Spotlight: Turning Planning into Action

Last month’s article, “Greening the New School Year,” encouraged VET schools to use August as a time for reflection, planning, and goal-setting. As September begins and students return to classrooms, this is the moment to transform those plans into lived reality through the Whole Institution Approach. Instead of sustainability existing only in visions or summer tasks, the new term presents the opportunity to embed it into every part of school life—governance, teaching, facilities, community partnerships, and internal culture.

Teachers returning from summer break can utilize this period to align their curriculum with sustainability goals defined over the summer. Whether through integrating green modules into existing courses, arranging workshops to build staff confidence in new practices, or beginning simple infrastructure initiatives—like monitoring energy consumption or reviving gardens—every action counts. Facilities and operations teams can activate or upgrade changes made during the break, ensuring that improvements like energy-efficient lighting, waste collection systems, or garden spaces are fully functional. The Whole Institution Approach invites schools to see these operational, pedagogical, and cultural changes as interconnected—and that is where real impact happens.

Creating a shared vision at the start of the school year matters more than ever. When students, teachers, administrators, and external partners all understand the goals set in summer—and when roles and responsibilities are clear—momentum builds quickly. Schools that engage their communities, leverage local partnerships, and make sustainability visible in everyday routines will deepen learning and strengthen their green impact. By linking summer’s planning with September’s action, VET schools can move beyond planning toward sustainability that is not just taught but practiced and maintained. In doing so, they prepare not just learners but entire institutions for Europe’s green transition, making sustainability something lived, seen, and shared daily.