ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

As part of its Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI), Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has awarded various schools across the UAE for their outstanding efforts in adopting sustainable practices. Using its Green Stars Rating system, EAD has categorised schools based on their achievements in the 2023-2024 school cycle.

The Green Stars Rating system follows a two-phase process. Each school's report on all SSI components is compiled and assigned a colour – green, yellow, orange or red – based on its score, with green representing the highest category. Upon submitting their reports for the first time, schools are given one year to improve and become eligible to receive the Green Stars Rating. The system ranges from one star, awarded to schools which has significant improvements to make, to five stars, awarded to the best-performing schools. 

Schools that achieved four and five stars implemented a range of eco-friendly initiatives including assessing and addressing their environmental performance via the Green School Audit. The audit helps schools identify their current standing and target future improvements based on environmental standards. Schools then set annual targets to reduce their impacts and improve environmental performance.

In addition, the schools have shown great efforts in Eco Clubs, usually set up by a teacher and a group of motivated students, to learn about the environment and take action to improve their surroundings. Additionally, teachers in the Eco Clubs receive training to introduce concepts of environment education into the mainstream curriculum and engage their students in field trips to bridge this gap and become the link between children and the environment.

Among those who achieved five stars were second-time high achievers in SSI cycle (2022-2024) including Al Awail Private School, Al Siddique School, Al Ain Juniors School, Al Huiteen, Bayah School, GEMS United Indian School, Institute of Applied Technology, International Community Schools Mushrif Campus, Mayoor Private School and Umm Kulthum Cycle 3.

Schools that achieved four stars were Dunes International School, Abu Dhabi Indian School – Muroor, Abu Dhabi and Al Ittihad National Private School – Abu Dhabi. Schools that achieved three stars were Repton Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Arab Pakistan School Abu Dhabi and Private International English School.

For SSI first-year participants, each school's report of all SSI components is compiled and assigned a colour (green, yellow, orange or red) based on its score. Schools that score 70 per cent or more receive a Green Rating, which means that the schools are advancing in the initiative, with the possibility of obtaining a five-star rating in the following years.

Schools that scored more than 90 per cent were Adnoc Schools – Sas Al Nakhel, Grace Valley Indian School Alain, Rosary School LLC, Al Dhannah C2-3/Girls, Delhi Private School Rak, Pearl British Academy, Abdulla Bin Al Zubair Private School, Albateen Scientific School, Muna British Academy, Al Dhafra Private School – Abu Dhabi, Ghayathi Common, Leaders Private School, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bangladesh Islamia School, Baraem Alain Private School Baniyas, Yas American Academy, Al Watan Charter School, Emirates Private School – Al Ain.

Achieving more than 80 per cent were Safa British School, Masfout Girls School-Cycle2, Emirates Private School Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi School, Future Leaders Private School – Branch 2, Al Danah Charter School, Vision Private School, Al Shohub Private School, Abc Private School, Indian School Ras Al Khaimah, Mareya Al-Qebteya Girls School For Secondary Education, Al Nahda National School For Boys, Mubarak Bin Mohammed Charter School, The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy For Girls, Al Yasat Private School, Zayed Education Complex – Al Bidya – Al Fujairah.

Shamma Bint Mohammed School C1, Halima Alsaadia, Al Falah Academy - Abu Dhabi, Future Leaders International Private School – Br1 (Rabdan), Ramah School, Al Dhafra Private Schools – Al Ain, Emirates National Schools, Liwa International School Almushrif, Almarfaa C2 – C3 Girls, Alrams Cycle 2 For Boys, Al Farouq School, Our Own English High School Sharjah Girls and Al Sanawbar School scored more than 70 per cent.

Rasha Ali Al Madfai, Director of the Environmental Awareness Department, Environmental Information, Science, and Outreach Management at EAD, said: “We are proud to award such prestigious schools for their notable efforts in adopting sustainable practices within their operations and classrooms. Our initiative aims to encourage the spread of environmental awareness beyond barriers, ensuring that members of the community are following the best practices in environmental sustainability. With the support of our partners, schools and most importantly our students, we are always one step closer to a greener future.”

Sheela Nair from Mayoor School, which achieved five stars, said: “Being placed in the green category is a testament to our school’s notable dedication to sustainable practices. We believe that developing an eco-conscious mindset in our students is essential for shaping a better tomorrow. Our goal is to empower them to lead with responsibility and innovation, ensuring that sustainability becomes a cornerstone of their future endeavours.”

Bindhu Zachariah from GEMS United Indian School, which also achieved five stars, said: “It is a great honour to be recognised for our accomplishments in the past academic year. We are committed to carrying the message of sustainability forward and ensuring our students, who are our future leaders, engage with a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and take active roles in driving positive change for a sustainable future.” 

The SSI is a holistic programme designed to foster eco-consciousness in UAE schools by engaging students, parents and educators. It includes four core components that work together to promote environmental stewardship: the Green School Audit, Eco Clubs, Training of Trainers and Field Trips.

The initiative is organised under the umbrella of EAD’s naha platform, which was created to turn environmental intentions into meaningful actions and provides youth and community members opportunities to engage in activities that motivate action towards sustainable outcomes.