On-going projects
Bike2School Challenge - 13 May to 7 June
Recognised as being one of the greatest ways to improve physical and mental health as well as a near-zero-carbon method of transport, cycling ticks every box! Bike2School encourages students and their families to turn to cycling as a sustainable means of travelling to and from school.
Renewal of the Nature & Ecole certification
The Nature & Economy Foundation's certification recognizes the commitment of schools, teachers and students to biological diversity and the quality of their daily environment.
Timeline
Ecolint Board order an audit by WWF
WWF published audit per campus with recommendations: La Châtaigneraie campus
Sustainability coordinator posts are created on each campus.
Installing of solar panels on the new Primary building at La Châtaigneraie campus
Creation of EcoCREW at La Châtaigneraie campus
Elimination of Single Use Plastic at La Châtaigneraie campus
Ecoschools accreditation at La Châtaigneraie campus for work on plastic waste
Installation of solar panels on the new sports hall at La Châtaigneraie campus
Ecoschools re-accreditation at La Châtaigneraie campus for work on Energy & Transportation
Formulation of the 3 pillars of the new strategy: Peace, Inclusion & Sustainability
Creation of the full-time post of Sustainability Lead
Climate Emergency Declaration
Foundation's commitments
Plastic free campus
In a logic of reducing our carbon footprint, we are aiming at completely removing the use of plastic on campus. Our first tangible action was to stop the use of vending machines.
Zero waste events
We are particularly attentive to the waste management on campus and try to reduce it as much as possible during events we are hosting.
Energy and water saving
Energy and water saving are the basis of a conscious consumption of resources. We are implementing various tangibles actions to leverage the energy and water saving.
Reduce paper use
In the logic of resources saving, we are trying to reduce the use of paper as much as possible. When printing is needed, we systematically use both sides of paper. All our documents are available online which helps avoiding printing.
Recycling bins
Our three campuses are equipped with recycling bins to help sort the garbage. Students are being taught why recycling and sorting out is important and are asked to pay attention when using the bins.
Mobility plan
Thanks to the mobility plan we put in place for our employees, we were able to reduce by 25% the number of people coming by car at work. People now enjoy taking their bikes or even TPG!
Bike2School
Bikes are so practical, they get you where you want, when you want! The only thing you need is the right equipment so that you can ride your bike even if it rains!
Students EcoCrew
The new generation is very invested in sustainability related topics. Therefore, EcoCREWs are in place on our 3 campuses to keep the conversation going around what decisions to take and actions to implement on campus.
Biodiversity, eco-gardens and reforestation
Being surrounded by nature is an invaluable source of learning opportunities for our students. From forest school to eco-gardens, our three campus all have their specificities that enrich our students minds.
Sustainability in the curriculum
One of our goals is to feature sustainability in the classroom, not only by educating children on basic practices like turning off the lights when living a room but also to have the topic fully studied in the curriculum.
Ecoschools Awards
Ecolint is part of the label Eco-Schools that is the largest international accreditation and education for sustainable development (ESD) programme in the world.
Art for Social Impact
More to come
Reduced cafeteria's carbon footprint
Our efforts also touch the cafeteria and food offers to students and staff. We aim at increasing the vegan options while also have a positive effect on food waste.
Reuse of excess heat
In a more rationalised approach of our resources and what we can do with them, we aim at reusing the excess of heat produced in our facilities.
Solar panels
We've installed 92 solar panels on our campus in order to collect energy and transform it to reuse it. Our solar production entirely covers the electric consumption of our Jura building.
Campus des Nations
- Solar panels
Campus des Nations received from the SIG-Services Industriels de Genève its Certificat SIG-éco21 for its efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to cutting heating and hot water during the holiday months, our campus has 92 solar panels fitted to the roof.Our solar production entirely covers the electric consumption of our Jura building. Having a school with its own solar production aligns with environmental responsibility, offers financial advantages, provides educational opportunities, engages the community, and enhances the school's overall resilience and sustainability.
Educational opportunities:
- Hands-on Learning: Installing and maintaining solar panels on school premises can create hands-on learning opportunities for students. It allows them to understand the science and technology behind renewable energy systems, fostering a deeper appreciation for environmental sustainability.
- STEM Education: Solar power systems offer real-world applications for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Students can engage in projects related to solar energy, enhancing their STEM skills and knowledge.
- Community Education: Schools with solar production systems can educate the local community about the benefits of renewable energy. This can lead to increased awareness and support for sustainable practices within the community.
- In the garden
Over the past 7 months, the Year 4 students have officially become green thumbs! They've been learning the ins and outs of gardening as part of our sustainability approach, and we couldn't be prouder. From planting seeds to tending to their own little garden plots, these students are blossoming into eco-friendly experts.Educational Opportunities:
- Undestanding the human impact on the environment
- Taking care about nature
La Grande Boissière
- Gardening with Primary School - Earth Day celebration
Pre-reception classes, as well as Years 1 and 2, sowed radish, flower, cherry tomato (18 different varieties) and squash seeds. We also planted strawberry plants, freesia bulbs and gladioli. We also went into the forest with the Class 1 students to look for "baby trees" so we could observe and draw them. We compared them with sunflower seedlings.Educational opportunities:
- Learn how to plant and grow plants
- Discover all types of seeds
- Becoming advocates for the planet
La Châtaigneraie
- Celebrating Earth Day
Earth Day was the perfect occasion to celebrate and honor our beautiful planet. Our students planted seeds to grow in our eco gardens. They learned about the different kinds of plants, why it is important to organise the plantations and how to take care about them.