Globeducate launches innovative energy conservation programme

Globeducate has taken a significant step towards fostering a greener future by introducing a ground-breaking energy conservation programme across its schools in Europe that has already seen a reduction of nearly 1,000 tonnes of equivalent C02 across Cyprus, France, Italy and Spain.

As noted in an announcement by global network of over 55 premium International schools in nine countries, the initiative aims to harness the expertise and research of leading green energy providers and to educate and empower students to become active participants in environmental sustainability. The group already has a unique partnership with conservation charity WWF and with the world´s largest sustainability education organisation, Eco-Schools and has won or been shortlisted for prestigious environmental awards.

With a strong commitment to promoting sustainable practices and nurturing environmentally conscious citizens, Globeducate has designed a comprehensive programme that integrates energy conservation principles into the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and daily operations of its schools in these countries.

The programme launched in Spain, with partner Endesa X, and the renewable energy company´s representative Jose Carlos Fernández Rey, has already been working with students at Agora Granada College International School (Photos above) and remotely with students from other Agora International Schools. He explains, “Students explored how much power the solar installation should have, which is the best orientation, how much clean energy it will produce and the level of CO2 emissions it will save, amongst other things.”

By focusing on hands-on learning experiences, and with visits by representatives of these green energy suppliers, the programme aims to instil a sense of responsibility and understanding among students about the importance of conserving energy and mitigating climate change. CEO of Globeducate Luca Uva expalined the important role students play:

“It is necessary for our students and our staff to face the challenges of the world we live in and that are yet to unfold. Through these programmes in France, Italy, Portugal and Spain, and the work we are also doing in Cyprus and Portugal, our school communities will benefit from academic scientific content informed by our partners and will learn how to measure energy consumption and how to analyse data to measure impact. They will also have opportunities to get involved with design elements of the projects. Our students must be at the heart of the change we are making, empowering them to take charge and to be pioneers; global citizens who can shape the world.”

One of the programme's key components is the implementation of energy-efficient infrastructure in Globeducate schools. Campuses are undergoing renovations and upgrades to incorporate renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic systems. These installations not only reduce the schools' carbon footprint but also serve as practical examples for students to witness the positive impact of renewable energy.

In Spain, nine schools are already working closely with renewable energy company Endesa X, while in Italy, ICS Milan´s three city centre campuses have begun working with StudioEnergy. Two schools in both Cyprus and France have also been recording significant reductions in their carbon footprints, with France working with Vinci Energies. In Portugal, photovoltaic panels have already been installed in schools in the Algarve and Lisbon with EDP.  Two schools started using renewable energy in September 2021,and saved the equivalent of 67.6 tonnes of CO2. This can be compared with the equivalent absorption of 3.074 trees during this period (22kg CO2/tree)."

In total, 16 Globeducate schools are currently part of this programme, and they are able to use smart meters to monitor and regulate energy consumption in real-time. This interactive approach not only educates students about the amount of energy required for different activities but also encourages them to adopt energy-saving habits in their daily lives.

The launch of this energy conservation programme aligns with Globeducate's mission to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st Century while fostering values of global citizenship and environmental stewardship and encouraging student-led action for a sustainable future. 

By equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for sustainable living, we empower the next generation to become leaders in the fight against climate change, serving as an inspiring example for educational institutions worldwide.

Through this innovative approach, Globeducate schools nurture a generation of responsible global citizens who will drive positive change and lead us towards a greener and more sustainable future. They will become global citizens who can shape the future.

Click here to read more about Globeducate and Shaping the World.