Blueprint for Sustainable Education: In a world where our decisions impact our future, it’s important that those who are educating the future of tomorrow take sustainability into account. Sustainable education should be at the forefront of campus initiatives, and green practices should be part and parcel of higher education initiatives and facilities. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Seek renewable energy options
For a green campus where students can learn the best ways to save the environment, it’s important that you are using the best renewable energy options for your campus’s needs. Some may wonder, “Is natural gas renewable?” And while, in a way, you could say it is, as it can replenish after millions of years, it’s not the kind of renewability that we need for energy-saving purposes.
Using options like solar panels or wind turbines to power your campus can be one way to “put your money where your mouth is,” so to speak, when you’re seeking to do more for the planet while also ensuring your students are getting the best example of a greener planet.
Reducing carbon footprint
While travel may be a unique aspect of some programs, green campuses should consider how much travel is necessary. Reducing carbon footprints may have more to do with how your students commute to classes than how much air travel is happening. Consider incorporating initiatives for students to be inspired to use bikes or public transport whenever possible so that your school is known for doing more for the planet and inspires others to do the same.
Update the facilities
Many educational institutions are older, and the facilities may be built with doors and windows that are not great at keeping heat or cooling inside the building. What this means is that a lot of energy is being used while you’re not getting enough of what you need. Making sure that your heating and cooling system is actually able to do its job can make a difference in how much energy is used to maintain your facilities. You may need smart systems installed as well.
Start a garden
If you want to show your students how to do more for the environment, a lot can be done with the programs that you incorporate. A campus garden and compost are both ideal ways for your students to get involved in creating an environment that is more sustainable on campus.
From growing produce that can be used for the community to educating your youth on composting benefits, there are many ways to educate by example. While you may need to have some kind of budget to cover these sustainable programs, you’d be amazed at how many sponsors would be interested in helping a university include sustainability programs like community gardens.
Have various programs
Because students have to go grocery shopping like everyone else, consider providing your students with reusable shopping bags. You can also start recycling initiatives and donation programs so that nothing goes to waste. Waste happens through daily habits, and carbon emissions and energy waste are things that people don’t think about unless someone helps to keep them present in people’s minds.
When a university provides a closer look at these kinds of issues and says, “We’re making a change in how we do things here,” students are taught to pay closer attention to their own impact on the environment. When the youth start thinking on a larger scale about how to save the environment, there could be hope for a better future.
In Conclusion
As you think about how to do your part for a better tomorrow, think about how you’re educating the youth of today. With sustainable programs and classroom discussions about the environment, you can do your part to change the planet. Think about these tips above to get started greenifying your campus and teaching your students about ways to improve our planet.
