EAD's Sustainable Schools Initiative Achieves Prestigious Global 7-Star Award

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s (EAD) flagship Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) has received the prestigious 7-star recognition, the highest accolade, during the 11th International Best Practice Competition (IBPC) 2025. This notable event was hosted by the Centre for Organisational Excellence Research in New Zealand.

This achievement propels SSI to the forefront, clinching first place in the 4th Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Excellence Award, distinguishing itself as one of only 15 initiatives globally to attain this honour. The competition featured over 110 entries from 15 organisations across three nations.

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 leading environmental education program. It inspires students to engage in sustainable practices within schools and communities through Green Audits, Eco Clubs, Outdoor Education, and Teacher Training initiatives.

The initiative has garnered international acclaim from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which has endorsed SSI as a model for global education in sustainable development. It is also integrated into the Greening Education Partnership, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and UNESCO.

Currently, SSI involves more than 562 schools across the UAE, marking it as the nation’s most extensive environmental education scheme.

In the previous academic year, over 20,000 students participated in Green Audits, with nearly 7,500 students taking part in Eco Clubs, resulting in over 1,000 environmental initiatives. Furthermore, around 70,000 students engaged in Outdoor Education, fostering a direct connection with the natural world. The training of teachers remains a priority, with 4,709 educators having benefitted from the program.

From 2022 to 2024, schools involved reported an average recycling of 2,442 litres of water per person. Their waste management efforts led to the recycling of over 241,000 kilograms of waste, while energy-saving practices were adopted by 71,864 school community members.

Judges at the IBPC commended SSI for its innovative digital solutions, including an online self-assessment platform for schools to evaluate and monitor their performance annually. The introduction of the e-Green e-learning platform has made teacher training accessible throughout Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, while also minimising carbon emissions from travel.

Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of the Environment Information Science and Outreach Management Sector at EAD, said that this accolade solidifies Abu Dhabi’s commitment to leading sustainability education efforts. He highlighted that the SSI is cultivating a generation of students who prioritize environmental responsibility, innovation, and sustainable practices for the future.

Following this recognition, EAD plans to broaden SSI's outreach, enhance its digital resources, and continue promoting its successful model internationally to further the cause of sustainability education for generations to come.