Eco Education

The power of sustainable schooling experiences is a key focus for staff and students at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong.

What is a school’s impact on the physical and social environment, and the wellbeing of students and staff? Is it a good community member? And how is its leadership and board accountable in these areas?

At CDNIS, parents can find answers to all these questions, thanks to the school’s Education for Sustainable Development Report (ESG). The report provides a thorough understanding of its aspiration as a leader in this space and the sustainability goals it actively works towards.

Head of School DR JANE CAMBLIN says, “We take the goal of being a sustainable and contributing member of Hong Kong society seriously – and it’s probably something new for parents to consider when enrolling children in schools. However, if you think about the world in which we live, and the necessity for us to take the planet, sustainable energy, and the preservation of flora and fauna very seriously, this is an important part of a child’s K-12 experience.”

After all, when universities interview undergraduates, they seek people who are aware of the world around them – both locally and internationally. “They’re looking for those who want to make a difference and take leadership roles in these areas,” says Dr Camblin. “That’s why our focus has pragmatic, positive outcomes for students in their future careers.”

The school is well known for its innovative physical campus too. A few years back, it installed the city’s secondlargest photovoltaic solar installation (349 panels), an investment that’s set to pay for itself within six years. There’s a green roof, too, with a thriving native garden supplied by fresh compost – one of the school’s many waste-reduction initiatives. It’s both a learning environment where kids get their hands dirty and a natural oasis that attracts butterflies and other native fauna.

Read more about these sustainability initiatives at the school website.