Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has proudly announced that its Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) has attained a remarkable 7-star rating, the pinnacle of recognition, at the 11th International Best Practice Competition (IBPC) 2025, hosted by the Centre for Organisational Excellence Research in New Zealand.

This significant achievement places SSI at the forefront, earning first place in the 4th Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Excellence Award, distinguishing itself among only 15 global initiatives that received this prestigious accolade. Over 110 submissions from three countries and 15 organizations participated in the competition.

Since its inception in 2009, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the Ministry of Education, SSI has evolved into the UAE's premier programme for environmental education. The initiative empowers students to engage in practical sustainability measures through Green Audits, Eco Clubs, Outdoor Education, and comprehensive Teacher Training programmes.

The programme has garnered international acclaim from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which has promoted SSI as a best practice model for sustainable education worldwide. It forms an integral part of the Greening Education Partnership alongside the Ministry of Education and UNESCO.

Currently, SSI spans over 562 schools throughout the UAE, solidifying its status as the nation's most extensive environmental education programme.

In the previous academic year, a total of 20,287 students participated in Green Audits, with 7,494 students joining Eco Clubs, resulting in 1,018 meaningful environmental projects and initiatives. Furthermore, 70,592 students engaged in Outdoor Education activities, fostering a connection with nature. Educator development is a primary focus, with 4,709 teachers undergoing training through the initiative.

From 2022 to 2024, participating schools reported an average of 2,442 litres of water recycled per student. Waste reduction efforts were equally impressive, with 241,435 kilograms of waste recycled, and 71,864 school members implementing energy-saving practices.

Judges at the IBPC commended SSI for its digital advancements, including an innovative online system enabling schools to evaluate and monitor their performance annually. The introduction of the e-Green e-learning platform has also made professional development for teachers accessible across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, significantly decreasing carbon emissions related to travel.

Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of the Environment Information Science and Outreach Management Sector at EAD, expressed that this award affirms Abu Dhabi’s leading role in sustainability education. He emphasized that SSI is cultivating a generation of students who are committed to environmental stewardship, creativity, and enduring sustainability.

Following this latest accolade, EAD aims to broaden the reach of SSI, enhance its digital resources, and share its successful model globally to further the cause of sustainability education for generations to come.