Design brief and Sustainability

Sustainability is defined as addressing the ongoing capacity of earth to maintain all life and meet
the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. Including it as a
cross curriculum priority has the aim that students will develop the knowledge, skills and values
necessary for them to act in ways that will contribute to a more sustainable way of living.
Sustainability is futures orientated and focuses on protecting environments and creating a more
ecologically and socially just would through informed action (ACARA, 2019).

This design brief addresses all three key concepts:

1) Exploring the interdependent and dynamic nature of systems that support all life on earth
and our collective wellbeing.

2) Enabling a diversity of world view on ecosystems, values and social justice to be discussed
and recognised when determining individual and community actions for sustainability.

3) Building capacities for thinking and acting in ways that are necessary to create a more
suitable future.

By starting the design brief off with engagement and research on what is happening to the birds in
our school context, students are able to connect to the concept of sustainability as they see
problems in their own school and the importance of ecosystems on a whole world level but also on
a school level. Researching lessons enable students to feel a connectedness and give them the
knowledge they need to act in more sustainable ways. The creation of the nests allows them to act
on these ways and develop their skills.

The brief addresses many Sustainable development goals such as:

Goal 12-Sustainable Consumption and Production

12.5- by 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through preservation, reduction, recycling
and reuse. This is addressed in the design by the use of natural materials.

12.8- by 2030, ensure people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for
sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature. Addressed in the brief by exploring
what role birds have in our environment and what is happening to their homes.

Goal 15; Life on land

15.5 Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, half the loss
of biodiversity and by 2020 protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. This is
addressed in the design by educating students on where birds live and how they interrelate in a
lifecycle/ecosystem and why we must protect the homes of them.