In a time of huge environmental challenges, key players in the international education industry are stepping up to make a difference. One such organisation are our partners at Green Standard Schools (GSS), who are leading this initiative by offering a unique green accreditation system for language schools worldwide.
Recent years have seen a cascade of environmental records broken, from soaring temperatures to rising sea levels. The language education sector, with its global reach, has a unique opportunity to contribute to positive change.
GSS was founded with three primary objectives:
GSS has created a comprehensive set of policies and practices for language schools to adopt, covering areas such as energy use, waste management, and sustainable travel.
Schools can earn GSS accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability.
GSS has developed free, environmentally-focused teaching materials in multiple languages, enabling educators to integrate sustainability into their curricula.
Schools seeking GSS accreditation complete a detailed self-assessment questionnaire, providing evidence for their environmental initiatives. This process not only evaluates current practices, but also offers valuable feedback for improvement.
By engaging millions of language learners worldwide in discussions about environmental issues, the potential for positive impact is immense. GSS-accredited schools are at the forefront of this educational movement, building a new generation of environmentally-conscious global citizens.
GSS offers a practical and impactful way for language schools to contribute to environmental sustainability. By embracing these standards, the international education industry can play a crucial role in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information about Green Standard Schools, visit their website and click here to access their free teaching materials.
Written by Stephanie Clark