Eco-schools: cultivating sustainability and environmental respect in the classroom

In a world increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability and care for the environment, Eco-schools are becoming a growing educational model. These educational institutions, committed to the protection of the natural environment, have emerged as a response to the need to promote environmental awareness and train future generations in the preservation of our planet.

As part of the green revolution, our British International Schools have been working for years to care for the planet, improve our community and leave the legacy in our pupils. Therefore, the Eco-Schools philosophy, which is based on fundamental principles of sustainability, care and respect for the environment, was an incentive for us to integrate environmental education into all curricular areas, and to promote practices and projects that encourage environmental responsibility amongst students, teaching staff and the wider school community.

One of the most effective ways of instilling values of sustainability and care for the environment in students is through the promotion of energy conservation in schools. Energy is a limited resource and its responsible consumption is essential to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce our ecological footprint. In this sense, our school has put in place various strategies to implement and promote a decrease in energy consumption in its facilities, advocating for the care of the planet. Firstly, awareness and education are fundamental, and therefore, we carry out awareness campaigns to educate and involve students on the importance of saving energy, explaining how their consumption affects the environment and how small individual actions can make a difference.

By improving our facilities we take care of the planet we leave behind.

The school management has taken practical steps to reduce energy consumption in the school's facilities. These include the efficient use of lighting with low energy systems in classrooms and common areas, as well as motion sensors to ensure that lights are only switched on when necessary.

In addition, the control and temperature regulation in school buildings is another important aspect. Implementing efficient air-conditioning systems, as well as encouraging the proper use of blinds and curtains to maximise natural light and avoid overheating, can contribute significantly to saving energy.

The management of electronic equipment also plays a key role in energy savings. Our schools promote switching off equipment when not in use, using energy-efficient certified devices and encouraging the responsible use of printers and photocopiers, avoiding unnecessary printing.

In addition to these practical actions, and as part of the Eco-Schools programme, we organise educational activities related to energy saving, such as energy workshops, visits to facilities and research projects on energy efficiency.

For all these reasons, we believe that our schools are leading the way towards a more sustainable future, cultivating environmental awareness and respect for the environment in the classroom. Reducing the impact on the environment, while also involving students as agents of change, are pillars for building a more sustainable future.

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