Looking to boost sustainability at your language school or university? Budget constraints shouldn’t prevent you from creating green learning spaces. For international education providers operating on tight margins, transforming classrooms into eco-friendly environments can be achieved through creative use of resources, clever problem-solving and student collaboration. Here are some top tips....

Continuing our sustainability journey for international education providers, this second installment focuses on water conservation, strategic partnerships, and creating lasting environmental awareness among your global student community. These initiatives not only reduce your institution’s environmental footprint, but also prepare students to become sustainability advocates in their home cou...

International education providers welcome thousands of students from around the world each year. This creates the perfect opportunity to lead by example through demonstrating sustainable practices that students will take back to their home countries. This two-part Sustainable Wednesday series explores practical sustainability strategies specifically designed for language schools and universities s...

For international schools, repurposing classroom materials is a great (and budget-friendly!) way of demonstrating environmental responsibility. In this week’s Sustainable Wednesday article, we explore practical strategies for transforming classroom ‘waste’ into educational treasures, showing students that sustainability begins with reimagining what we already have. Art project...

Student-led green clubs are a powerful mechanism for cultivating sustainability within schools. These groups not only contribute to campus environmental initiatives but also develop future sustainability leaders. This week’s article explores how schools can support and empower student-led green clubs. The transformative power of student leadership Green clubs place students at the fore...

The international education sector faces unique sustainability challenges, from carbon-intensive student travel to resource-heavy campus operations. Yet, our industry also has remarkable potential to shape future leaders with sustainability mindsets. Here we explore why sustainability matters in international education and how schools can meaningfully contribute. Why is sustainability important...

While many language schools have embraced basic eco-friendly practices, creating truly sustainable learning environments requires deeper consideration of product lifecycles and student involvement. This week, we explore how schools can select products that not only reduce environmental impact, but also engage students and create healthier learning spaces. Understanding product lifecycles Whe...

Schools are increasingly recognising that sustainable renovations not only benefit the environment, but also create healthier learning spaces and reduce operational costs. In this week’s Sustainable Wednesday article we look at how sourcing green building materials presents an opportunity to demonstrate sustainability, while enjoying practical benefits. Long-term benefits of sustainable b...

Water is our planet’s most precious resource, but it’s often taken for granted in places with large occupancy levels like schools and universities. For educational institutions, water conservation practices can be both an operational challenge and a valuable teaching opportunity. Here are some top ways to save water in your school.  Understanding your water footprint Begin y...

The international education industry leaves a significant environmental footprint through daily operations. While teaching sustainability is important, demonstrating it through eco-friendly office practices creates a powerful learning environment. Let’s explore how schools and agencies can transform their administrative spaces into models of sustainability. Ways to reduce paper waste P...

Schools in international education have the unique power to influence students from around the world to act more sustainably. This goes beyond classroom learning, allowing students to see sustainability in action through eco-friendly practices on campus. One accessible and impactful practice is composting. Let’s learn how schools can get started on setting up a compost programme.  Un...

Effective recycling programmes in educational institutions do more than divert waste from landfills—they also create valuable learning opportunities and instill lifelong sustainable habits. For international schools, these initiatives can act as platforms for cross-cultural exchange about environmental practices. Here is your guide to starting a recycling programme for your school.  ...

In educational environments, single-use plastics often go unnoticed but cause significant environmental impact. From cafeteria trays to water bottles, these items add to the growing global plastic crisis, with schools often being major contributors. Let’s discover more about the harmful effects of plastics and learn some practical solutions for institutions looking to become more environment...

When making efforts to adopt sustainable practices, schools should also create learning opportunities in the classroom. Environmental education doesn’t require a separate curriculum—it can be blended into existing subjects, offering rich contexts for authentic language practice and cross-cultural exchange. Here are some ways to include environmental topics in lessons. Language lesso...

Sustainability is becoming a vital part of the international education industry, proving an influencing factor in students’ decisions on where to study. One of the ways schools and universities can demonstrate environmental stewardship is through their purchasing options. This week’s Sustainable Wednesday explores how to make smarter choices when it comes to school supplies. Choosin...

When educational institutions and environmental organisations work together, great opportunities for authentic learning and sustainability are born. For international schools and language centres, these types of partnerships can enhance student engagement while making a real difference in local communities. What are the benefits of environmental partnerships? Collaborating with local environ...

Creating green spaces within educational institutions not only makes campuses look pretty, but provides great learning opportunities and supports student wellbeing. Let’s explore how universities and language schools can encourage sustainability, as well as cross-cultural learning and community building by incorporating gardens on campus. Educational benefits of school gardens Campus g...

Promoting sustainability in the school curriculum is an important initiative, but it’s equally crucial to raise environmental awareness outside of the classroom. Language schools and international education institutions have a unique opportunity to do this by hosting fun eco-friendly student events. Here are some ideas for schools looking to take a holistic approach to sustainability. Org...