Sustainability and the Trail to Eagle
Sustainability is Eagle-required as part of a choice group. Every Eagle Scout must earn Environmental Science or Sustainability. Earning Sustainability satisfies that requirement. If you also earn another badge from the same group, it counts as one of your 8 elective badges.
Choice group B: earn one of
- Environmental Science
- Sustainability
Sustainability Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 9 main requirements for Sustainability. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Describe the meaning of sustainability in your own words.
- 2
Water. Do ONE of the following and discuss with your counselor.
- 3
Food. Do ONE of the following and discuss with your counselor.
- 4
Community. Do ONE of the following and discuss with your counselor.
- 5
Energy. Do ONE of the following and discuss with your counselor.
- 6
Stuff. Do ONE of the following and discuss with your counselor.
- 7
Do TWO of the following and discuss with your counselor.
- 8
Do the following:
- a.On a campout or other outdoor Scouting activity, make notes on the sustainability practices you and your fellow Scouts practice.
- b.Discuss with your counselor how living by the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Leave No Trace Seven Principles, and the Outdoor Code helps promote sustainability.
- c.Identify 5 behavioral changes that you and your family can make to improve the sustainability of your household.
- 9
Learn about career opportunities in the sustainability field.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Sustainability Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Sustainability, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Sustainability is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 2 months for a challenging badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 12 Sustainability requirements for you.
Sustainability Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Sustainability merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
Yes, as part of a choice group. To earn Eagle, a scout must earn Environmental Science or Sustainability. Sustainability satisfies that requirement, and any other badge from the group can count as one of the 8 electives.
How long does the Sustainability merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Sustainability in about 2 months, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Sustainability merit badge?
Sustainability is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Sustainability can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Sustainability merit badge have?
Sustainability has 9 main requirements with 3 sub-requirements, for 12 items in total.
