We are thrilled to congratulate Al Dhafra Private School, a fellow TASS member, for winning the Climate Action Award 2024!

700 schools across the UAE participated in this national competition organized by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and the Emirates Foundation, challenging students to develop creative solutions for sustainability in their schools.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

Al Dhafra Private School’s winning initiative, the “Carbon Footprint Reduction Project,” aims to transform the school into a model of sustainability through renewable energy, water conservation, and digital engagement. This project aligns with the UAE’s commitment to environmental responsibility and demonstrates the power of student-led change.

Their primary objectives for the project were to: reduce the school’s carbon footprint, enhance water conservation efforts, increase student engagement by 25% in sustainability initiatives, integrate environmental education by 50% into the curriculum, and cultivate a long-term culture of sustainability.

The key initiatives of their proposal featured:

• Renewable Energy Integration – Solar panels will be installed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and establish a clean energy foundation.
• Kinetic Energy Generation – Stationary bikes will convert students’ physical activity into electricity, allowing them to charge devices sustainably while promoting fitness.
• Water Conservation – A greywater recycling system will be implemented to reuse water for irrigation and restroom flushing, reducing water waste.
• AI-Assisted Engagement – A custom-built interactive app will track energy and water savings, set sustainability challenges, and engage students through gamified learning.
• Community Involvement – Sustainability events, such as a uniform swap campaign, will encourage parents and students to embrace eco-friendly practices.

From Concept to Reality

The competition was structured into two themes, focusing on different aspects of climate action. Al Dhafra Private School participated in Theme 2: Climate Campus Challenge, where they set out to develop practical, measurable solutions to promote long-term sustainable habits within the school.

Their creative method towards environmental management positioned them in the top five finalists for Theme 2. The judges were especially impressed with their thoroughly researched proposal, supported by a solid business plan that included the scope, feasibility, and sustainability of the project. As such, Al Dhafra Private School was awarded the grand prize of AED 200,000 to implement their initiatives.

To ensure the successful execution of this initiative, the school has outlined a roadmap with key plans and timelines.

• Month 1: Awareness campaigns, equipment procurement, and app development.
• Month 4: Installation of solar panels and stationary bikes, greywater system testing, and app beta launch.
• Month 6: Full-scale app deployment and sustainability impact assessment.
• Month 10: Sustainability Week featuring student-led challenges, tree planting, and energy-saving competitions.

Impact & Future Goals

This initiative fosters innovation, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving in sustainability. Its expected impact spans from short-term to long-term:

• Short-Term: Immediate student engagement through hands-on sustainability activities, awareness campaigns, and technology-driven learning.
• Mid-Term: Reduction in carbon emissions, significant energy and water savings, and improved student environmental literacy.
• Long-Term: A scalable model for other schools in the UAE, inspiring a culture of environmental stewardship.

Leading the Way in Climate Action

This achievement underscores Al Dhafra Private School’s commitment to sustainability and educational innovation. By integrating real-world environmental solutions into student learning, the school is setting a benchmark for future sustainability initiatives in the UAE. Click here to learn more.

We hope this great achievement inspires the next generation of sustainability leaders. Once again, congratulations to Al Dhafra Private School for this tremendous feat!