Eco-Schools: an international sustainable education

While exploring international school options for your child, you’ll find a growing number of Eco-Schools around the world that offer an environmental education. At these schools, students learn about global environmental issues then take steps to address them locally. This includes active participation in things like recycling, reducing waste, cleaning up litter, planting trees, and more.

For expat families, choosing an Eco-School can provide children with a valuable opportunity to engage in environmental responsibility and become part of a global network of eco-conscious students.

Read on to learn more about Eco-Schools:

What is an Eco-School?

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) started Eco-Schools, its global school-based sustainability program, in 1994. Through hands-on activities, Eco-Schools empower students to become active participants in addressing environmental challenges. There are official Eco-Schools in more than 70 countries, making it one of the most widely recognized international programs focused on environmental education.

A school of any type or size can become an Eco-School, from preschools to colleges, urban to rural campuses, public or private. Schools that meet specific sustainability milestones can then earn the green flag, an internationally recognized symbol of excellence in eco-education.

Eco-Schools work on integrating sustainability into all aspects of school life, from the classroom to campus operations and community engagement. Their programming guides students, teachers, and staff in creating and maintaining environmentally friendly practices.

What are the steps to become an Eco-School?

Becoming an Eco-School is a seven-step process, laid out by the FEE:

Step 1	Forming an Eco-Committee	The Eco-Schools Committee is the driving force behind the Eco-Schools process and represents the ideas of the whole school
Step 2	Conducting an environmental review	This helps the school to identify its current environmental impact and highlights areas for improvement
Step 3	Creating an action plan	Results from the environmental review are used to design the Action Plan, forming the core of student action
Step 4	Monitoring and evaluating progress	This is carried out find out if the targets set by the action plan are being achieved
Step 5	Linking sustainability topics to the curriculum	Eco-Schools activities are linked to the curriculum, ensuring Eco-Schools is truly integrated within the school community
Step 6	Engaging the community	This involves getting everyone on board! Actions are not solely confined to the school community but are encouraged to engage community members and parents, for example
Step 7	Developing an Eco-Code that reflects the school’s sustainability values	Students collaborate to devise a statement that represents the school’s commitment to the environment

What kind of activities do Eco-Schools offer?

Eco-Schools offer a wide range of activities to encourage environmental stewardship among students. Schools typically focus on topics such as waste reduction, water conservation, biodiversity, and climate action. For instance, students might lead recycling initiatives, maintain vegetable gardens, or develop campaigns to reduce single-use plastics on campus.

In other cases, Eco-Schools incorporate renewable energy projects, where students learn about and contribute to energy conservation measures by managing solar-powered facilities or tracking the school’s energy use. These activities give students practical experience in solving real-world environmental issues and foster a sense of responsibility toward their communities.

How do you select an Eco-School in your country?

Find and evaluate Eco-Schools in your current or prospective country with these research tips:

• Start with the Eco-Schools official website – Visit the Eco-Schools website or the local FEE chapter to find schools with Green Flag status or Eco-Schools certification in specific countries
• Speak with school representatives – Ask about the school’s environmental policies and curriculum focus to ensure alignment with Eco-Schools principles
• Look for the green flag award – The green flag is an internationally recognized mark of environmental excellence and is awarded to Eco-Schools that meet specific sustainability criteria
• Ask for Community Engagement Opportunities – Inquire about the school’s involvement in local environmental projects and partnerships with community organizations, which can enhance students’ connection to their host country

List of international Eco-Schools

Eco-Schools programs are especially common in international schools. You can find the list of participating schools in your country by using the national offices directory.

Here are some examples of official Eco-Schools from around the world:

• Munich International School (Munich, Germany) – Its sustainability initiatives include solar panel installation, waste reduction, and biodiversity conservation. The school’s campus includes green spaces for outdoor learning and supports pollinator-friendly habitats. MIS’ Eco-Committee organizes Earth Week, recycling drives, and educational workshops, fostering eco-consciousness throughout the school community.
• International School of Nice (Nice, France) – For its Eco-Schools participation, ISN Nice created an ambassadors of tomorrow project, a new school garden, the Junk Kouture initiative, and numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) projects across primary and secondary classes. They also participate in the Nice Climate Summit.
• St. Andrew’s International School (Bangkok, Thailand) – Focuses on initiatives like water conservation, energy efficiency, and recycling. Initiatives include school gardens and outdoor learning spaces engage students in active environmental education, particularly around biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
• Fairgreen International School (Dubai, UAE) – Fairgreen emphasizes sustainability within the context of the arid UAE climate. Their initiatives include a solar-powered campus, a zero-waste policy, and organic gardens. These projects engage students in addressing environmental challenges specific to desert ecosystems.
• Colegio Alemán Alexander von Humboldt (Mexico City, Mexico) – This German international school makes environmental awareness a central part of its education. Its initiatives include water conservation, extensive recycling programs, and eco-gardens where students grow native plants, fostering a respect for local ecosystems.
• Bali Green School (Bali, Indonesia) – Known for its bamboo architecture and eco-friendly ethos, Green School Bali integrates sustainable practices into all aspects of school life. Initiatives include composting, organic farming, and zero-waste programs, helping students live sustainably and understand environmental challenges unique to Indonesia.

Why send your child to an Eco-School?

Eco-Schools are committed to educating the next generation of eco-conscious leaders. For this reason, they’re an inspiring choice for families who value environmental action and education.

Here are some of the perks of sending your child to an Eco-School:

• Environmental stewardship and education – Certified Eco-Schools provide structured, hands-on environmental education, teaching students about topics like recycling, biodiversity, water conservation, and energy efficiency
• Consistency across borders – Eco-Schools offer a standardized, recognizable program across different countries. This can help ease transitions for children who move frequently and ensure continuity.
• Cultural enrichment and local adaptation – Eco-Schools tailor projects to local environmental issues. This provides students with a richer understanding of their host country’s challenges and ecological priorities.
• Global citizenship – Eco-Schools foster values of global citizenship, encouraging students to be proactive in environmental preservation regardless of location.
• Practical skills and leadership development – In Eco-Schools, students lead the projects, building leadership and problem-solving skills. This fosters confidence in tackling real-world environmental issues.

Tips for supporting sustainable education as an expat parent

• Get involved in the Eco-Committee – Find ways to join or support their child’s Eco-Committee or volunteer for local environmental projects
• Encourage eco-friendly practices at home – Adopt eco-friendly habits, like reducing waste, reusing and recycling, and exploring sustainable local products in your new home country
• Foster language and cultural exchange through sustainability – Support projects that help children learn about and communicate in the local language, making sustainability a bridge for your child to understand the culture

Useful resources

Links to useful official websites and web pages that provide information and support, such as:

• Eco-Schools – the program’s official global website
• Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) – website of the organization that founded Eco-Schools
• Eco-Schools national offices – find your country’s national Eco-Schools operator