July 18, 2024
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ becomes first carbon-neutral school in Madrid
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏÌý has recently become the first carbon-neutral school in Madrid. We are committed to a comprehensive sustainability strategy, and this achievement highlights the efforts that have been made to change the culture and reduce the school’s carbon footprint overall.Ìý
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ has been working, since the 2020/21 academic year, to effect sustainability action in their school community via a comprehensive whole school sustainability programme.Ìý ÌýÌý
Sustainability is a key strategic priority for the school.  There is a clear annual sustainability action plan, overseen by the Sustainability Leadership Team which includes representation from the schools’ leadership, operations teams, students and teaching staff.ÌýÌýÌý
³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ has been measuring its carbon footprint, since the 2020/21 academic year, under the of the UNFCCC secretariat (UN Climate Change), the UN entity tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change.Ìý
The school has implemented a range of actions, to actively measure and reduce the key areas of its footprint, including, but not limited to:Ìý
- Reducing electricity consumption – including the installation of solar panels on 4 buildings, student led campaigns to save electricity (e.g. race to zero).  Significant reduction in electricity consumption 23/24 vs 22/23Ìý
- Reducing ‘foodprint’ – improving plant-based menu option to encourage vegetarian/vegan choices (increased from 3-6% in 23/24); raising awareness of healthy & sustainable food choices (e.g. sustainable recipe competition)Ìý
- Reducing food waste – weighing food waste/inter-class competitionsÌý
- Reducing emissions from transport – reducing the number of overseas residential trips, reducing the number of shuttle busses from 3 to 2 in 23/2Ìý
- Carbon offsetting its unavoidable emissions through a partnership with Ripple Africa and a specific project to build fuel efficient cook stoves. Ìý
These specific actions are complemented by student-led assemblies and school communications to raise awareness and encourage sustainable behaviours and build a culture of sustainability in the community.ÌýÌý
ÌýCongratulations to all the Hastings Community.Ìý