Singapore has some of the best sustainability-focused schools, which are taking the lead in being environment-friendly. They’re practicing eco-minded actions as well as teaching their students. For families that appreciate sustainable living, the following schools are great options.
Sending your kid to such a school would teach them the importance of caring for nature and our planet. Here’s a list of the top 9 schools in Singapore that are making significant strides in sustainability education and practice.
What makes a sustainable school?
A sustainable school cares for the environment in everything it does. It teaches students about nature and how to protect it. These schools use less energy, create less waste, and often have green spaces. They ensure students learn about the environment in all subjects, not just science. Sustainable schools also work with their local community to help the planet. They prepare students to become adults who understand environmental issues and know how to solve them.
Singapore’s Aim For Sustainability
Singapore has a plan called the Singapore Green Plan 2030. It aims to make the country more sustainable. The country has several targets to be achieved by 2030, and some of them are:
Nexus International School is committed to environmental sustainability. The school features an organic garden where students learn about sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. Nexus aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint by 2030, focusing on waste reduction and energy conservation.
In 2023, it was recognized as the Sustainable International School of the Year. The curriculum focuses on hands-on environmental projects, promoting a deep understanding of ecological issues. At Nexus, your child will develop practical skills in sustainability alongside their academics.
Nexus International School (Singapore), 1 Aljunied Walk, Singapore 387293, +6565366566, enquiry@nexus.edu.sg, admissions@nexus.edu.sg, www.nexus.edu.sg
When it comes to sustainability, you’ll see Singapore American School’s strong commitment to their practices. Their campus has one of Singapore's largest solar panel arrays, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, the students can participate in the Green School Committee to enhance campus sustainability.
Some other steps the school has taken are rainwater harvesting, composting & recycling, sustainable cutlery in the cafeteria, and energy-efficient lighting. Their efforts have been recognized with awards including the Creative Co-Adopter Award from Singapore National Parks.
Overall, SAS not only educates students about environmental issues but also inspires them to take action for a sustainable future.
Singapore American School, 40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738547, +6563633403, communityambassadors@sas.edu.sg, www.sas.edu.sg
Dulwich College prioritizes environmental responsibility in its educational approach. The school has implemented a Carbon Roadmap to minimize its ecological impact and has been recognized as a WWF Eco-School. Their 1,300 square meters of solar panels lowers electricity consumption by 40%.
Apart from this, they ensure rainwater harvesting, kinetic tiles, and light & AQI sensors. Students also engage in various sustainability projects, from recycling initiatives to biodiversity conservation efforts.
Dulwich is the first international school building in Singapore certified as Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore.
Dulwich College (Singapore), 71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, Singapore 658966, +6568901000, +6568901003, admissions.singapore@dulwich.org, www.singapore.dulwich.org
Canadian International School’s garden includes upcycled vertical plant palettes, harvesting food sources and maintaining the vertical hydroponics system. Their "Sharing the Planet" unit encourages students to explore their role in creating a sustainable future.
CIS aligns its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, providing students with a global perspective on environmental issues. The campus features a garden that is accredited as the Top 50 Community in Bloom Award for Educational Institutions by NParks in 2023.
Canadian International School, 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore 649414, +6564671732, admissions@cis.edu.sg, www.cis.edu.sg
GIIS East Coast conducts innovative programs such as waste management initiatives and tree-planting activities to promote environmental awareness. They have a student-run organic garden where there are 60+ plant species, including fruits and herbs.
Additionally, their students participate regularly in aerobic composting and beach cleaning days throughout the year. The school management is also working on a biodiversity mapping project, expansion of their garden and other measures to implement towards sustainability.
GIIS also collaborates with local organizations to enhance its sustainability efforts, offering students opportunities to engage in community-based environmental initiatives.
Global Indian International School East Coast, 82 Cheviot Hill, Singapore 459663, +6569147100, admissions.sg@globalindianschool.org, www.globalindianschool.org
The best part of the HWA International School is that it organizes regular campaigns and initiatives to promote education about sustainability. For instance, In July 2024, under their two-month summer program, they dedicated one week to “Sharing the Planet,” highlighting their commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
The school encourages students to participate in initiatives like recycling programs and environmental clean-up drives, making them take an active role in protecting the planet.
HWA also emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly practices by promoting energy conservation and waste reduction.
HWA International School, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #02-100/101, Singapore 039594, +6562540200, enquiries@hwa.edu.sg, www.hwa.edu.sg
Where schools are emitting tonnes of carbon footprints in other countries, Tanglin Trust School places a strong emphasis on environmental education.
Their Eco Week was so popular that it won them the Outstanding Environmental Project Award at the Singapore School Green Awards 2022. Also, they promote public transport and electronic waste recycling.
The school has solar panels that have decreased their electricity consumption by 15%. Their collaborations with other local organizations and schools have helped them collect 60+ tons of food waste and 95+ kg of electronic waste.
Tanglin Trust School, 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299, +6567780771, admissions@tts.edu.sg, www.tts.edu.sg
EtonHouse International School and Pre-School promotes sustainability from an early age in young learners. The school comprises an Aquaponics Farm and a Secret Garden — a sensory play space. The school aims to promote eco-friendly practices such as recycling, composting, and energy conservation.
Students participate in activities like gardening and nature walks, developing a connection with the natural world. They also organize the annual Claymore Earth Day Farmers Market to celebrate our precious Earth and promote sustainability.
EtonHouse International School, Multiple branches in Singapore, broadrick@etonhouse.edu.sg, www.etonhouse.edu.sg
Children's Cove Preschool introduces environmental concepts through engaging, age-appropriate activities. The curriculum includes items brought from home and around the school for art and craft work.
Some other steps the school took are sending leftover food for composting and turning off electricity when not needed. Since it is a preschool, kids begin learning and understanding about nature at an early age. These environmental initiatives instill a sense of ecological responsibility from a young age. The school has 6 different locations around Singapore.
Children's Cove Preschool, (Various Locations), 58 Jln Penjara, Singapore 149382, +6566550077, enquiry@childrenscove.sg, www.childrenscove.sg
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