When it comes to sustainability in international education, even small to mid-sized establishments can make a significant impact and contribute to a greener future. Let’s look at some practical advice on setting and achieving sustainability goals in the international education sector.

Start with simple assessments

Begin by taking a close look at your daily operations. Observe how much paper you use, the energy consumption of your classrooms, and waste generated in common areas. You don’t need complex tools; a simple walk-through and basic record-keeping can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement.

Set achievable goals

Focus on setting small, manageable goals that can make a difference without overwhelming your resources. For instance, aim to reduce paper usage by 10% over the next six months, or commit to using only reusable dishes and utensils in the staff room by the end of the year. 

Create practical action plans

Develop straightforward plans to achieve your goals. For instance, if you’re aiming to reduce paper usage, consider implementing a ‘think before you print’ policy and setting up a digital document sharing system. To decrease energy consumption, assign a staff member to ensure lights and computers are turned off at the end of each day, or set up timers for lights to turn off automatically when not in use.

Involve students and staff

Engage your community in your sustainability efforts. For example, you could organise a ‘Green Week’ where students participate in eco-friendly activities or competitions, and encourage staff to share their own sustainability ideas and implement the most practical ones. 

Monitor progress continuously 

Keep track of your efforts. A simple spreadsheet can help you monitor paper orders and energy bills. Regular staff meetings can include a brief sustainability check-in to discuss progress and challenges. Lastly, make sure to share your achievements, no matter how small, to keep everyone motivated.

By focusing on small, achievable goals and involving your entire educational community, even the smallest language schools and agencies can make a difference to our planet.

Written by Stephanie Clark