In a world facing growing climate challenges, environmental responsibility is no longer limited to governments — it has become a daily concern that begins at home. As awareness of the importance of protecting our planet increases, “green schools” are emerging as a vital step toward building an environmentally conscious generation — one that sees nature as part of its life, not something external to it.
Green schools are not merely energy-efficient buildings surrounded by trees; they are educational institutions that embed sustainability at the heart of the learning process. From an early age, students learn concepts such as recycling, water and energy conservation, urban farming, and even how their food choices impact the planet.
Bali’s Green School — The World’s First Green School
Founded in 2006 by American couple John and Cynthia Hardy, Bali’s Green School is recognized as the world’s first green school. Their vision was to provide a more sustainable form of education for their children. Located in Ubud, Indonesia, the school is an international institution that integrates sustainability practices into every aspect of its operation.
Since its establishment, the Green School Bali has become an inspiring model for eco-friendly education around the globe, demonstrating that it is possible to deliver high-quality learning while protecting the environment and building a more sustainable future.
Egypt’s Ministry of Environment and the “Sustainable School” Project
In Egypt and several Arab countries, limited initiatives have begun to adopt this approach. In 2023, the Egyptian Ministry of Environment, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, launched the “Sustainable School” project in selected model schools. Through this initiative, students learn about environmental principles through hands-on activities such as school clean-up campaigns and tree planting.
How Can We Keep Our Schools Green and Eco-Friendly?
Adopting more sustainable habits is essential today and vital for the future. Climate change calls for a complete rethinking of our lifestyles at all levels. Schools, in particular, can play a crucial role in teaching younger generations how to minimize their impact on the planet and live in harmony with nature.
4 Ideas to Make Your School More Eco-Friendly
There are many strategies that can help make a school more environmentally friendly:
1. Saving Energy
Energy efficiency directly impacts the operational costs of a school building. To increase energy efficiency, consider the following:
Use renewable energy sources, such as installing photovoltaic solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.
Automate lighting systems; LED lights are recommended as they can be adjusted according to the amount of natural daylight.
Install smart thermostats that monitor temperature and automatically regulate climate control.
2. Recycling Waste
Establishing an effective waste management system and involving students in recycling activities is one of the most efficient ways to educate new generations about environmental responsibility.
3. Participating in Training and Awareness Events
Organize a series of educational events on the importance of recycling to raise awareness and strengthen environmental values. Schools can also install composting units, provide reusable water bottles for students, and equip the campus with purified water dispensers.
4. Promoting Sustainable Nutrition
A sustainable school also extends its values to the cafeteria and the types of products available in vending machines.
Here are a few ideas schools can offer their students:
Serve plant-based, organic meals sourced locally to support community agriculture.
Use recyclable or compostable food packaging to minimize waste.
