Embracing Sustainability: Our Commitment to a Greener Future
At New Academy School, sustainability and social responsibility are at the heart of our educational mission. We are dedicated to not only reducing our environmental footprint but also empowering our students to actively contribute to the wellbeing of the community and the planet. Through hands-on initiatives, we instil the values of stewardship and innovation, ensuring that our students are equipped to lead in creating a more sustainable world.
Our Sustainability Initiatives
Here are some of the key sustainability initiatives that reflect our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility:
- Plastic Bottle Recycling Program: To reduce plastic waste and prevent it from ending up in landfills, we have implemented a school-wide plastic bottle recycling initiative. Our students and staff actively participate in collecting and recycling plastic bottles, which helps reduce plastic pollution while raising awareness about the importance of responsible consumption.
- Plastic Innovation – Giving Plastic a Second Life: As part of our commitment to combating plastic pollution, we encourage students to engage in innovative projects that repurpose plastic waste. By transforming used plastic into new, useful materials, we promote the principles of the circular economy and inspire creative solutions to global environmental challenges.
- E-Waste Collection: Recognizing the growing challenge of electronic waste, we regularly collect e-waste from the school community and hand it over to the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) for proper recycling. This initiative ensures that electronic waste, including old devices and batteries, is responsibly managed, reducing its harmful impact on the environment.
- Wall Gardening: Our wall gardening initiative is a practical demonstration of how we can create green spaces in urban environments. These vertical gardens help purify the air, support biodiversity, and provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in sustainable agriculture. It’s one of the many ways we promote eco-friendly practices on our campus.
- Sustainability Competitions & Achievements: We are proud to have been the winner of the Simply Bottles Recycling Challenge for three consecutive years. This competition, which rewards schools for collecting and recycling plastic bottles, has inspired our students to act and support recycling. As a result of our success, we have received sustainable products, such as lab coats shirts and tote bags, made from plastic woven into thread and cotton, demonstrating how plastic waste can be given a second life.
Social Responsibility through Community Engagement
Sustainability is not just about what happens on campus—it’s about making a positive impact in the wider community. Our students have engaged in meaningful community service activities as part of their commitment to social responsibility:
- Desert Clean-Up: Our students participate in desert clean-ups, working together to remove litter and waste from fragile desert ecosystems. These efforts help preserve the natural beauty of our environment and protect wildlife from the harmful effects of pollution.
- Beach Clean-Up: Our beach clean-up initiatives engage students in maintaining the cleanliness of local beaches. By collecting trash and debris, our students play an active role in preventing marine pollution and safeguarding coastal ecosystems. These projects not only help the environment but also reinforce the importance of community involvement in sustainability efforts.
Looking Towards the Future
At NAS, sustainability is a journey we embrace wholeheartedly. From recycling and waste reduction to community service and environmental innovation, we are committed to nurturing responsible global citizens who will make a positive impact on the world. Our sustainability initiatives, coupled with our strong focus on social responsibility, are laying the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future.
We invite everyone to join us in this shared mission and continue making a difference—together!