School Learning Environments for Sustainability in Bulgaria
Abstract
Development of sustainable school environments requires a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, based on political will, long-term investment and stakeholder engagement. This article aims to analyze policies and good practices for sustainable learning environments in schools. The methods used are theoretical analysis and synthesis. The results show that Bulgarian schools still face major challenges in becoming sustainable, including policy fragmentation, weak integration of sustainability in education, and limited investments. It is recommended that a new comprehensive national program for sustainable schools be prepared. Education for Sustainable Development must be embedded across all subjects through real-world, competence-based learning. Sustainable environments should include outdoor spaces and biodiversity. Energy efficiency efforts need to expand, prioritizing renewables and smart systems. Waste management with student involvement should be adopted. Teachers require ongoing training, access to resources, and networks. Stronger school-community-local government partnerships and regular monitoring with student participation are essential for lasting impact.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Environmental and sustainability education
Sustainability in Higher Education
Environmental Education in Latin America
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Strategies for Policy in Science and Education-Strategii na Obrazovatelnata i Nauchnata Politika
- Volume
- 34
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 25–37
- Publication date
- 15 January 2026
- Language
- EN