Across the globe, schools are emerging as powerful hubs for environmental change, committing to sustainable practices that shape both their infrastructure and students’ values. More than 80,000 schools in 87 countries have adopted UNESCO’s recommended green school practices, with the goal of ensuring that by 2030, at least half of all schools worldwide attain green accreditation. These green schools not only optimize energy and water use, implement waste management systems, and integrate renewable energy but also embed sustainability into their curricula and governance. This comprehensive approach fosters environmental awareness and equips students with the skills to address global challenges like climate change.

Globally, green schools promote biodiversity through campus gardens and green spaces, and many incorporate hands-on projects like rainwater harvesting, composting, and renewable energy installations. International programs such as Eco-Schools engage millions of students in sustainable actions, driving community involvement and environmental stewardship. Beyond ecological benefits, these schools enhance student well-being, improving air quality, physical activity levels, and mental health while fostering critical thinking and leadership skills.

In the Indian context, the green school movement is gaining substantial momentum with initiatives like the Green School Programme by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), which has certified over 350 schools as environmentally responsible. The Indian government and educational bodies such as CBSE have mandated sustainability ratings for all affiliated schools under the Swachh Evam Harit Vidyalaya Rating (SHVR) initiative for 2025-26, promoting clean, green, and inclusive learning environments. Student-led projects are flourishing across states, from tree planting to waste segregation, supported by organizations like Tata Steel Foundation and TERI through their Green School Initiative. These efforts integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern climate education, empowering students as innovative agents of environmental change.

Together, the global and Indian green school initiatives illustrate an inspiring educational paradigm shift, one that not only conserves resources and mitigates environmental impact but also nurtures a generation ready to champion sustainable development worldwide. This dual approach balances universal environmental goals with culturally relevant, local action, driving measurable sustainable progress in schools everywhere.

Sources:

1. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/more-80000-green-schools-around-world-are-following-unescos-recommendations
2. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/green-school-awards-2025-cse-celebrates-environmental-stewardship-of-indias-educational-institutions
3. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/cbse-makes-green-school-rating-mandatory-under-shvr-2025-26-all-schools-must-comply-by-30-september/articleshow/123236740.cms
4. https://www.teriin.org/project/green-school-advancing-step-towards-sustainable-behaviour
5. https://www.ceeindia.org/international-eco-schools-programme-education-for-children