Awarded an honour in the University of New South Wales-run environmental program, the students' design for a sustainable school building could be set in bricks and mortar by the end of the year.

Science and maths teacher Helen Comport said the winning project in the Sustainable Living Challenge investigated a number of ideas that may form part of a year 9 building set for construction at the school this year.

Ms Comport said the students' winning entry included ideas on angles related to shading and window coverings, passive heating and cooling methods, thermal heating options and other ways of producing or harnessing energy.

"The students' ideas serve to teach not only the younger students at the school but the wider community about ways to make buildings more sustainable and user-friendly.

"What we are doing at a year 9 level is allowing the students to learn what they need to know for the future."

Beaconhills College had a second finalist in the challenge that examined the possible use of a wind turbine and solar roof panels at the school.

Ms Comport said the school has made a number of changes to meet set energy targets at the school in coming years. These included installation of water tanks and replumbing of drinking tap water to be re-used on school gardens.

La Trobe MP Jason Wood said the school deserved praise for its award and for being a strong ambassador for sustainable living.

"I have watched the school's sustainability program grow over the years and now they have been officially recognised as national leaders in the area."