Technology for a sustainable education that protects the environment

Fortunately, there has been a growing interest in the environment and sustainable education lately as the general public becomes more aware of the global warming emergency. In this scenario, education must be on the frontline to promote sustainability in schools and teach future generations respect for the planet.

Although it might not be immediately obvious, technology in education does much more than foster student engagement and accessibility. Indeed, it can have a positive effect on the environment, promoting energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of many institutions.

Energy-efficient infrastructures to enhance sustainability in schools

From a broader perspective, energy efficiency in schools involves a series of actions aimed at reducing their energy consumption. This includes addressing every aspect of the building’s operations and associated services.¹

Indeed, technological devices are not the sole contributors to energy consumption within schools; there are numerous other factors, including heating and lighting systems. Nonetheless, technology can aid in energy management. 

For instance, each school should implement an energy maintenance plan to monitor all services and infrastructure requiring energy, facilitating the planning of the most efficient utilization. One effective approach involves creating a digital replica of the school building, complete with all devices and services, to optimize the distribution of energy consumption among them.

Moreover, converting to cloud-based data software presents another game-changing option to foster sustainability in education. Cloud systems are typically managed by companies with the capability to design their servers to minimize the impact on the environment, a feat often challenging for individual school institutions to achieve.

Waste reduction and recycling initiatives within school premises

Although technology plays a significant role in promoting sustainability in schools, it’s crucial to recognize that community action is equally pivotal. Here are some inspiring examples that all institutions can readily promote²:

• Waste reduction and recycling programs: educating students about recycling practices tailored to their country’s guidelines and emphasizing waste reduction fosters sustainability education.
• Reducing single-use plastics: both students and the environment benefit from minimizing plastic usage. Schools can initiate this process by, for instance, limiting the use of plastic bottles.
• Introducing smart waste technologies: implementing items such as composters, food digesters, and solar panels enables schools to maintain energy efficiency while providing essential services.
• Rewarding eco-friendly behaviors: schools should not only focus on educating the younger generation but also encourage active participation in sustainable practices.

Foster eco-awareness through interactive and engaging digital learning 

Coming to our core topic, let us go through all the opportunities to promote sustainable education thanks to technology. 

As more and more schools are implementing the use of digital devices in their daily activities, the benefits exceed the impact on students’ engagement, resulting in a significant pay-off for the environment as well.

For instance, devices help school institutions reduce their paper consumption as most of the school tasks that require paper support can now be carried out digitally. Today, students can consult and interact with classroom tests, homework assignments, or lecture documents on their devices exclusively. 

Moreover, devices these days are often developed to minimize the impact on the environment thanks to environmentally friendly materials and improved energy consumption and performance. Indeed, Acer Chromebooks integrate these green features combined with ruggedized components developed to lengthen their lifespan and reduce their carbon footprint. 

Additionally, many devices designed for education feature cloud-based resources that reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions consequentially, such as Google Workspace.

Finally, hybrid learning solutions and digital communications between educators and parents have a positive impact on reducing pollution caused by transportation, which is now minimized thanks to the optimization of travel.

Overall, most schools testify to the benefits of including digitalization in their curricula³, mostly in the level of involvement and inclusion of students thanks to the interactivity and personalization possibilities that technology provides in education. As this revolution also has a positive impact on the planet, digital education becomes an opportunity to teach sustainability in schools and contribute to a sustainable future. 

 

Sources: 

 

1. DigitalTreasury. “Sustainability in Schools: Create a Sustainable Future for Schools through EdTech.” Education Horizons, 20 Feb. 2024
2. thinkhouse. “How to Improve Waste Management in Schools Effectively?” Royal Waste Services: New York Recycling Center, 5 Dec. 2023
3. Ascione, Laura. “The Impact of Technology on Education.” ESchool News, 11 Dec. 2023