Learning in a Green Environment: Global Coalition for Green Schools

The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), in conjunction with the World Green Building Council (WGBC), announced the 29 founding members of the Global Coalition for Green Schools. The Global Coalition for Green Schools works collectively to shape schools and communities to fundamentally change the way students learn about the world around them.

Each of the 29 founding members have committed to establishing and a national coalition for green schools within each of their respective countries. The goal of these coalitions is to promote a shared vision of green schools for all within this generation. Members of the coalition will share best practices, resources and case studies, provide tools and infrastructure to this growing network, and introduce programs, initiatives and campaigns that can be replicated around the world.

Current members of the Global Coalition for Green Schools include: Argentina GBC, GBC Australia, Botswana GBC, GBC Brasil, Canada GBC, Chile GBC, China GBC, Colombia GBC, Croatia GBC, Egypt GBC, Emirates GBC, Global Communities, GBC Ghana, Hong Kong GBC, Indian GBC, GBC Italia, Israel GBC, Jordan GBC, Kenya GBC, Mauritius GBC, Namibia GBC, Peru GBC, Qatar GBC, Romania GBC, Singapore GBC, GBC Slovenia, SUMe, Turkish GBC, USGBC.

Because schools look different from country to country around the world, the Coalition has identified three pillars by which to define a green school – minimize environmental impact, optimize human health and performance, and foster a generation of environmentally literate students.

By highlighting how sustainability can be woven into infrastructure, culture and curriculum, the Global Coalition aims to foster these ideals in schools around the world. The Coalition facilitates information sharing that will help build these values into the education system in innovative ways.

National coalitions will bring together influential leaders in their country’s green schools movement including non-profits, corporations, community members, universities and government.

To learn more about the Global Coalition for Green Schools and the Center’s international efforts, please visit centerforgreenschools.org/globalcoalition.