Abu Dhabi's Eco-Friendly School Initiative Receives Prestigious Global 7-Star Award

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s (EAD) Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) has been awarded the 7-star status, the pinnacle of achievement, at the 11th International Best Practice Competition (IBPC) 2025, held by the Centre for Organisational Excellence Research in New Zealand.

This recognition placed SSI at the top of the 4th Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Excellence Award, making it one of only 15 globally acknowledged initiatives. Over 110 entries from 15 organizations across three nations 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 emerged as the UAE's foremost environmental education program. The initiative motivates students to implement sustainable practices within schools and communities via Green Audits, Eco Clubs, Outdoor Education, and Teacher Training.

SSI has garnered global recognition from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which regards it as a benchmark for sustainable education models. Furthermore, it forms part of the Greening Education Partnership with the Ministry of Education and UNESCO.

Currently, SSI involves over 562 schools throughout the UAE, establishing it as the nation's most expansive environmental education initiative.

In the previous academic year, 20,287 students engaged in Green Audits, while 7,494 were active in Eco Clubs, contributing to 1,018 environmental projects. Furthermore, 70,592 students participated in Outdoor Education, thus fostering a connection with nature. The program has prioritized training, with 4,709 teachers having received development support.

From 2022 to 2024, participant schools reported an impressive average of recycling 2,442 liters of water per student. Their waste reduction initiatives led to 241,435 kilograms of waste being recycled, with 71,864 school members adopting energy-efficient practices.

Judges at IBPC commended SSI for its innovative use of technology, highlighted by the introduction of an online self-assessment system for schools and the new e-Green e-learning platform that facilitates teacher training access across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra while minimizing carbon emissions from travel.

Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of the Environment Information Science and Outreach Management Sector at EAD, acknowledged the award as affirmation of Abu Dhabi's role in pioneering sustainability education. He emphasized that SSI is nurturing a generation of students committed to environmental stewardship, innovation, and enduring sustainability.

With this noteworthy accolade, EAD aims to broaden SSI’s impact further, enhance its digital capabilities, and continue sharing its effective model globally, ensuring a legacy of sustainability education for years to come.