At Yas American Academy, our educational mission places a strong emphasis on sustainability, as demonstrated by our active participation in initiatives such as the Plastic Pledge, Green Flag education, SSI, and the TASS Sustainable Schools Charter. With an unwavering commitment to fostering environmental consciousness and responsible citizenship, our school community engages enthusiastically in various sustainable practices.

Yas American Academy incorporates sustainability into all facets of its operations, ranging from curriculum development to daily routines. Our curriculum underscores ecological awareness, educating students about the significance of environmental conservation and motivating them to advocate for sustainable living. Through innovative teaching methods and hands-on experiences, we strive to instill in our students a profound understanding of their role in building a more sustainable future. Project planning has been restructured to encourage students to create projects for various subjects by reusing and recycling. Some subjects, including the sciences, have also incorporated a section for this in their marking schemes as an incentive.

Beyond the classroom, the school is dedicated to minimizing its ecological footprint. We deploy energy-efficient technologies, such as motion-controlled lighting systems, reduce waste through recycling initiatives, and promote water conservation practices across the campus. Our Harvesting Hope initiative will serve as living laboratories, enabling students to witness sustainable practices in action. This initiative includes expanding our current hydroponics system and planting small crops in our terrace areas.

Initiatives like our Young Chefs program focus on sustainable budgeting and food sourcing. We have also launched Fashion Reimagined, an initiative that encourages students to create new designs through repurposing used materials, moving away from the fast fashion mentality.

Our ECO-club, “Change Makers,” provides students with the opportunity to lead and drive necessary changes. Our team of sustainability ambassadors has participated in VVIP events, such as WGEO and UICCA, engaging in discussions about a more sustainable future with H.H. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa, President, and CEO of UICCA. Additionally, our ambassadors are members of the Net Zero Masdar youth program, participating in COP 28 and having the privilege of meeting Jane Goodall at a VIP Youth for Conservation event. Our students have also participated in a Guinness World Record Climate Fresk, the largest climate lesson in history.

Participation in the TASS Charter further reinforces our commitment to sustainability, aligning our goals with the broader vision for a more sustainable Abu Dhabi. By signing the TASS Charter, we commit to continually assessing and improving our sustainability practices, contributing to the collective efforts of educational institutions dedicated to creating a greener, more environmentally conscious community.

In essence, Yas American Academy’s journey towards sustainability is a collaborative endeavor that involves students, educators, and staff in a shared mission to nurture environmentally responsible global citizens. Through the TASS Charter, we affirm our dedication to ongoing progress, embracing the responsibility to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders who will champion sustainability in their communities and beyond.