What makes a school “green”?
Educating the next generation of environmental change-makers is an important strategy to help build a greener future. And around the world, green schools are leading the way with programs that are designed to prepare students to grow and live in more sustainable ways.
From building outdoor learning areas to using green building materials to developing extensive recycling programs and sustainable curriculums, every green school is unique. What they all have in common is that they educate with the future in mind, designing a learning experience for students that will prepare them to build a healthier, cleaner, more sustainable world.
Here Are 7 Eco Friendly Schools That Are Changing the World, One Student At A Time
1. Green School Bali
Inspired by Alan Wagstaff’s “Three Springs” educational design concept, Green school Bali is a wall-less, action-based Pre K-12th grade school located amongst the jungles and rice fields of Bali. Built entirely out of bamboo, it’s doors officially opened in 2008. Today, there are 3 more Green Schools located in Tulum, South Africa and New Zealand. Using a holistic, student-guided approach, they educate for sustainability, through community-integrated, entrepreneurial learning in a natural environment. Students focus on developing environmental solutions and taking action to make a real impact.
2. Arizona State University
Ranked #1 in the US for Sustainable Development Goal impact, ASU is at the forefront of sustainability and innovation for higher education in the US. Through countless initiatives, they’re working to be an exceptionally environmentally conscious campus focused on addressing the climate change crisis. Their campus is a living laboratory for innovations in sustainability, and they’re guided by 8 overarching sustainability goals: circular resources, climate positive, collaborative action, community success, food reconnection, optimized water, personal action, and resilience.
3. Manassas Park Elementary School
Located in Manassas, Virginia, Manassas Park Elementary School follows the philosophy that “nature is a place to play” — and they have a campus to support that. Their award winning campus was designed with the goal of providing access to fresh air, natural daylight and a connection to nature — all of which have been shown to improve student health and performance. As part of their curriculum, they work to cultivate environmental stewards in their community of teachers, learners and parents — and to foster a connection with the surrounding woodland and watershed.