A Global Milestone for Sustainability Education in Abu Dhabi
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has reached a landmark moment in its sustainability journey after its flagship Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) earned a 7-star rating—the highest possible level of excellence—at the 11th International Best Practice Competition held in 2025. This achievement has positioned the initiative as a global benchmark for sustainability education, digital innovation, and institutional impact.
The recognition placed SSI first in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Excellence Award category, outperforming more than 110 submissions from three countries. The award was conferred by the Centre for Organizational Excellence Research in New Zealand, and SSI now stands among only 15 initiatives worldwide to receive a 7-star distinction, underlining its exceptional quality, scalability, and long-term value.
From a Local Vision to a National Education Model
The Sustainable Schools Initiative was launched in 2009 through a strategic partnership between EAD, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, and the Ministry of Education. What began as a focused local program has steadily evolved into a nationwide framework that integrates sustainability principles into everyday learning across schools in the UAE.
At its core, SSI was designed to move sustainability beyond textbooks and transform it into a lived experience for students and educators. By embedding environmental responsibility into school culture, operations, and curriculum, the initiative has fostered awareness, accountability, and action at every level of the education system.
Over the years, the program has adapted to changing educational needs, environmental challenges, and technological advancements, ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness.
Empowering Students Through Practical Action
One of the defining strengths of the Sustainable Schools Initiative lies in its hands-on approach. Rather than focusing solely on theory, the program empowers students to take meaningful, measurable actions that reduce environmental impact within their classrooms, schools, and surrounding communities.
Key components of the initiative include Green Audits, Eco Clubs, Outdoor Education, and Train the Trainer programs. Green Audits encourage students to assess energy, water, and waste usage within their schools, fostering analytical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills. Eco Clubs provide a platform for student-led sustainability projects, nurturing leadership, creativity, and collaboration.
Outdoor Education reconnects students with the natural environment, helping them understand local ecosystems and biodiversity through direct experience. Meanwhile, the Train the Trainer component equips teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to integrate sustainability into lesson planning and school operations, ensuring long-term impact beyond individual cohorts.
International Recognition and Global Endorsement
The global standing of SSI has been reinforced through recognition by leading international organizations. The initiative has been acknowledged by the United Nations Environment Programme as an innovative model for education for sustainable development, highlighting its ability to translate global sustainability goals into actionable school-level practices.
Further validation came through the Greening Education Partnership with UNESCO and the Ministry of Education. This recognition affirmed SSI’s credibility as a scalable and adaptable framework capable of supporting sustainability education across diverse cultural and geographic contexts.
These endorsements have elevated SSI from a national success story to a globally relevant reference point for policymakers, educators, and sustainability leaders.
Measurable Impact Across Hundreds of Schools
The scale and reach of the Sustainable Schools Initiative have expanded significantly over the years. Today, more than 562 schools across the UAE actively participate in the program, reflecting strong institutional commitment and widespread adoption.
During the most recent academic year, 20,287 students took part in Green Audits, while 7,494 students joined Eco Clubs, collectively delivering 1,018 sustainability projects and environmental activities. Outdoor Education programs connected 70,592 students with nature, deepening their understanding of environmental stewardship beyond classroom walls.
Teacher capacity-building has remained a cornerstone of the initiative. A total of 4,709 educators were upskilled through structured training programs, ensuring that sustainability principles are consistently reinforced across subjects, grade levels, and school environments.
Tangible Environmental Outcomes
Beyond participation numbers, SSI has delivered measurable environmental benefits. Between 2022 and 2024, participating schools reported recycling an average of 2,442 liters of water per capita, demonstrating improved resource efficiency and conservation practices.
The initiative also helped divert 241,435 kilograms of waste from landfills through recycling, reuse, and waste reduction strategies implemented at the school level. In parallel, 71,864 members of school communities—including students, staff, and families—were encouraged to adopt effective energy conservation behaviors, extending the program’s impact well beyond school premises.
These outcomes underscore the initiative’s ability to translate education into action, producing real-world environmental benefits alongside learning outcomes.
Digital Innovation Driving Accessibility and Efficiency
EAD’s commitment to innovation has played a crucial role in SSI’s success. The introduction of an online self-assessment system has enabled schools to track sustainability performance, benchmark progress, and identify areas for improvement with greater accuracy and transparency.
In addition, the e-Green e-learning platform has transformed teacher training delivery. By expanding access to professional development across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, the platform has reduced the need for travel, minimized associated carbon dioxide emissions, and ensured consistent training quality regardless of location.
These digital tools have not only enhanced efficiency but also strengthened data-driven decision-making across the initiative.
Leadership Perspective on Long-Term Impact
Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director at Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, described the recognition as a powerful affirmation of Abu Dhabi’s leadership in sustainability education. He noted that the Sustainable Schools Initiative is reshaping mindsets and behaviors among students and teachers while preparing future generations to carry forward values of environmental stewardship, innovation, and responsibility.
His remarks reflect the broader vision behind SSI—one that views education as a catalyst for long-term environmental resilience and societal transformation.
A Benchmark for the Future of Sustainability Education
With its 7-star global recognition, EAD has further strengthened the international standing of the Sustainable Schools Initiative. The program now serves as a benchmark for sustainability education worldwide, demonstrating how strategic partnerships, data-driven design, and student empowerment can drive meaningful change.
As environmental challenges continue to intensify globally, SSI offers a proven model for integrating sustainability into education systems in a way that is practical, scalable, and impactful. Its success underscores the vital role schools play in shaping environmentally responsible societies and highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in global sustainability leadership.
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