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Preamble: The following principles provide common ground for interaction between independent school professionals and their many constituents (parents, students, colleagues at other schools, and the public). The NAIS Principles of Good Practice for member schools define high standards and ethical behavior in key areas of school operations to guide schools in becoming the best education communities they can be, to embed the expectation of professionalism, and to further our sector’s core values of transparency, excellence, and inclusivity. Accordingly, membership in NAIS is contingent upon agreement to abide by the spirit of the PGPs.

Overview: Independent schools strive to be positive members of their local and global communities and to prepare students well for the future. Schools can become more environmentally sustainable and can ensure that their graduates are prepared to contribute to a more sustainable world by incorporating appropriate learning and practice into school policies, administration, curriculum, campus operations, student life, and engagement with the broader community.

Principles of Good Practice:

1. The school demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability through its policy statements, strategic plan, and administration.
2. The school has a long-term sustainability plan that includes benchmarks and has administrative support.
3. The school incorporates learning and teaching within the curriculum that addresses the knowledge and skills needed to foster an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable future.
4. The school strives to incorporate best practice in sustainability in all aspects of facilities and operations, including new buildings and renovations, energy sourcing and consumption, waste management, water use, food services, landscaping, transportation, and purchasing.
5. The school integrates sustainable operations practices within curricular and co-curricular programming, such as energy conservation competitions, waste and recycling audits, greenhouse gas inventories, and organic gardening and landscaping practices, among others.
6. The school supports student and faculty engagement in sustainability-related programs and projects, such as field study projects, student/faculty exchanges, and partnerships with other schools, local governments, and organizations.
7. The school supports professional development for faculty and staff that deepens understanding and practice of sustainability. 
8. The school communicates with stakeholders on its evolving commitment to sustainability in learning and practice.