iSP schools in Qatar and the UAE are cultivating a culture of sustainability among students and staff, with a goal to reduce carbon emissions per person by 25% by 2027

International Schools Partnership (iSP), a global group of international schools, is leading the way in environmental responsibility with its new 'Whole School Sustainability' Project. This pioneering initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions per person by 25% across its schools globally, including in Qatar and the UAE, by 2027.

Launched this academic year, the project is designed to cultivate a culture of sustainability by encouraging simple yet impactful behavioural changes. By integrating sustainability into all facets of school life – from operations and policies to curriculum and community engagement – the initiative empowers students to become environmentally conscious leaders.

Since the roll-out of the programme, iSP schools have already demonstrated impressive results, with many achieving over 20% reduction in electricity consumption within a single term. These early successes underscore the significant impact of small, consistent changes.

To maintain this momentum, iSP has also announced the first annual ‘Class of Change Summit,’ set to take place at the end of the academic year. This event will bring together student leaders from iSP schools in the Middle East to showcase their sustainability innovations, share effective strategies, and reflect on their progress. The school achieving the greatest reduction in electricity usage will be awarded AED 100,000 in recognition of outstanding efforts to further advance environmental sustainability initiatives on campus.

Rachel Mitchell, Group Head of ESG at iSP, stated, "The Whole School Sustainability project is a testament to our commitment to embedding environmental, social, and governance principles across our global network of schools. By empowering our students and educators, we are not only reducing our environmental impact but also fostering a generation of responsible global citizens who will champion sustainability in all aspects of their lives."

Commenting on the initiative, Bharat Mansukhani, Chief Executive Officer – iSP Middle East & Asia, said: “At iSP, we believe that sustainability is more than just an initiative; it is a responsibility we owe to future generations. The early results from our Whole School Sustainability project are incredibly encouraging, and we are excited to see how our schools continue to innovate and lead the way in sustainability.”

The Whole School Sustainability Project is a catalyst for innovation and collaboration across the iSP network of schools. By encouraging behavioural change within its community, iSP is creating a model for other schools to follow, fostering a global community dedicated to environmental stewardship.

iSP Schools in the Middle East that have been involved in the pilot project are The Aquila School, Nibras International School, Star International School, Al Twar, Star International School, Mirdif, and The English College in Dubai; Aspen Heights British School, Reach British School in Abu Dhabi, and The Hamilton International School and Park House English School in Doha.