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GSF Sustainability Report 2022

Sustainability and achievements made throughout the year

Chairman’s Message

Mr. Atul Termunikar
Chairman and Co-Founder
Global Schools Foundation

Sustainability is an essential aspect of our educational philosophy. It has been more than 20 years since the Global Schools Foundation has been committed to the cause of green and sustainable development.

READ CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
READ LEADERS' MESSAGE

Key Highlights of the Report

5S Sustainability framework : Based on the whole school approach we developed our framework, which we call “5S of Sustainability”. By implementing targeted activities and monitoring progress, we strive to cultivate environmental consciousness, social responsibility, and sustainable practices.

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Average GHG emissions per capita is 0.54 MTCO2

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ISO 9001, 21001 and 45001 certifications :
For excellence in education, continuous improvement and safety and security.

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Green buildings: By using of Latest efficient technologies in our schools exemplify the harmonious blend of education and environmental stewardship.

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UNSDGs in activities: Signing the Global Schools pledge to work for UNSDGs.

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15 Awards in the field of sustainability: Our dedication to sustainability has been recognized with 15 prestigious awards, a testament to our commitment to creating a greener future and inspiring the next generation of eco-conscious leaders.

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Key Achievements

Student Learning :
Carrying The Flame Forward

Today’s young adults have grown up in a rapidly changing world and possess aprofound awareness of the importance of climate change and global warmingas one of the most significant challenges of our time. One of our purposeof educating is fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among ourmain stakeholders students which would create sustainability conscious andknowledgeable future leaders and citizens.

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Environmental
Stewardship

Nurturing our students into skilled, knowledgeable and caring individuals for the environment so that they can make a difference for the current as well as future generations is one of our aims but we also collaborate as an entire organization comprising teachers, staff and management to set an example to address climate change, reduce energy and resource consumption, and promote environmentally friendly lifestyle choices.

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Social
Responsibility

Our organization encompasses 35 schools and serves over 31,000 students and 2650 faculty members representing diverse backgrounds. We value and prioritize the respect of every individual in our community and aim to enhance the role of schools in cultivating and strengthening communities, fostering cultural awareness, and promoting a sense of responsibility in students and staff. Our core values include kindness and community care.

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Governance

Our corporate governance structure comprises a diverse board, executive leadership team, and advisory council providing guidance to ensure transparency, accountability and fulfillment of responsibility to the community and to monitor and manage financial resources to ensure operational sustainability and good financial health.

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Download the GSF Sustainability Full Report 2022

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Chairman’s Message

MR. ATUL TERMUNIKAR

Chairman and Co-Founder
Global Schools Foundation

Sustainability is an essential aspect of our educational philosophy. It has been more than 20 years since the Global Schools Foundation has been committed to the cause of green and sustainable development.

It is our responsibility to instill a deep sense of environmental awareness in our students, and GSF schools have been doing that for the past two decades with responsibility and sense of purpose.

In the past decade, sustainability took a place of vital importance in the emerging digital economy. The world started to recognise the necessity and urgency of going green, not just for the sake of a better present, but also for the sake of a better future. Which is why it gives me great pride in sharing that GSF was ahead of the curve when it came to adapting to this idea.

The Foundation recognised the need to grow within the limits of green living, and went a step further to spread the knowledge through their best ambassadors – their students. GSF schools have taken gigantic and focussed steps to ingrain the idea of sustainability into the learning environment of its students. Our curriculum, our operational procedures, our policies were all revolving around best practices that have a positive impact on the mindsets of the new generation, who will in turn ensure a good impact on the environment. Our educational programmes are designed to instill in our students a deep sense of responsibility towards the environment and the importance of sustainable practices. We believe that every student can make a meaningful impact on the environment, and we strive to equip them with the knowledge and skills to make a difference.

“Our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and minimize waste across all GSF schools is not limited to just implementing the 3Rs of green living – reduce, reuse and recycle. In fact, we have embraced and implemented energy-efficient practices, including the use of renewable energy sources, sustainable materials and reduction of wastage to promote this idea in all our schools.”

GSF schools are signatories of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals provide a framework for creating a better and more sustainable future for all, and we are committed to contributing to their realization through our educational efforts.

We are also committed to collaborating with local communities to create sustainable practices that benefit the environment. We encourage our students to participate in community-based projects, promoting environmental sustainability and creating awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources.

At GSF, sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a way of life. We believe that we have a moral obligation to create a better and more sustainable future for all. By working together, we can make a meaningful impact on the environment and ensure a brighter future for future generations.

We will continue to prioritize sustainability in all aspects of our operations, curriculum, and policies. We believe that every small action towards sustainability can make a significant impact, and we encourage our students, staff, and community members to join us in this endeavor. Together, we can create a better and more sustainable future for all.

Message from Leaders

RAJEEV KATYAL

Chief Operating Officer, GSF

Sustainability lies at the core, as we aim to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to navigate the challenges of the 21st century and contribute positively to society.

In this report, you will find a comprehensive overview of our sustainability initiatives across all our schools. Together, we have implemented innovative practices, adopted environmentally friendly technologies, and fostered a culture of environmental awareness. From Eco-friendly initiatives for our students to green infrastructure, our collective actions have made a tangible difference.

We have focused on various key areas, including student activities, UNSDGs, curriculum integration, energy conservation, school gardens, recycling programmes, and community engagement. Our collective efforts have yielded significant results, demonstrating the transformative power of collaboration and shared responsibility.

I am proud of our dedicated staff, faculty, students, and parents, who have embraced sustainability as a fundamental pillar of our educational philosophy. In addition to highlighting our achievements, this report underscores our commitment to continuous improvement. We understand that sustainability is a journey, and we remain dedicated to setting new benchmarks, exploring innovative solutions, and staying ahead of emerging environmental challenges. By fostering a culture of learning and adaptation, we ensure that our group of schools continues to lead by example and inspires others to follow suit.

“Let us use this report as a catalyst for further dialogue, inspiration, and action. By working together, we can ensure that our group of schools remains at the forefront of sustainability, creating a better future for our students and leaving a positive impact on our planet.”

At Global Schools Foundation, we firmly believe that education plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable future for our planet. We recognize the urgent need to address global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, and we are dedicated to taking concrete actions towards a more sustainable world.

At GSF schools, community care and environmental stewardship have always been paramount.

“Let us use this report as a catalyst for further dialogue, inspiration, and action. By working together, we can ensure that our group of schools remains at the forefront of sustainability, creating a better future for our students and leaving a positive impact on our planet.”

Moving forward, we are fully committed to making significant progress and continuously advancing our sustainability practices in the years ahead.

We have adopted a Whole School Approach for sustainability which means we practice in our operations, management and procurement what we teach to our students in classes. With the whole school approach as our base we have developed our framework, which we call “5S of Sustainability”. Our schools have integrated UNSDGs into student activities, encouraging environmental consciousness and social awareness among our young learners. Through innovative programs and initiatives, we foster an environment where sustainability is embraced as a way of life.

Our commitment to sustainability extends to our operations, management and school premises as well. We have calculated carbon footprint for our schools and a sustainability index is being monitored for our schools, which gives baseline sustainability related data. We are implementing measures to reduce our ecological footprint, such as energy-efficient practices, waste reduction strategies, and responsible resource management.

Let us be inspired by our accomplishments and motivated to continue pushing boundaries, finding new ways to integrate sustainability into all aspects of our business. I would like to express my gratitude to all our staff, students, parents, partners, and the broader community for their unwavering support in making sustainability a core value of Global Schools Foundation. Together, we can foster a sustainable world for generations to come

MR RATHIN HANDHADIA

Director, Global Centre for Education Excellence, Global Schools Foundation

MR. KAUSTUBH BODHANKAR

Sr Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Investment Officer, GSF

As an educational institution, we have a unique opportunity to shape young minds and instill in them a deep sense of responsibility towards the environment and society. This report highlights our progress and achievements in fostering sustainable practices across our schools and offices, and it serves as a reminder of the transformative impact we can have on our students, communities, and the planet as a whole.

Throughout the year, we have implemented various sustainability initiatives that have positively contributed to our ecological footprint. We have taken significant steps to reduce energy consumption by optimizing our facilities, and implementing energy-efficient technologies. Very soon we are investing in renewable energy sources too. Additionally, we have actively promoted waste reduction and recycling programs, encouraging everyone to embrace the principles of the circular economy.

“We have worked on our own framework of incorporating sustainability into all aspects of our functioning. Students being our main focus, we work on giving them opportunities, activities and projects related to sustainability. The aim is to have maximum participation and no child is to be left behind in this endeavour.”

Skill development of students as well as staff and stakeholder engagement is also given due importance. Our School management and operations also incorporate sustainability, we understand the need to lead by example. Since students spend considerable time in school premises it is important that they get the best possible facilities and motivation.

While we celebrate the achievements outlined in this report, we also acknowledge that there is still much work to be done.It is important to acknowledge that sustainability is a journey, and we are continuously learning and evolving along the way. This report serves as a foundation upon which we will build and expand our sustainability initiatives in the years to come. We will strive to set ambitious targets, adopt innovative practices, and collaborate with like-minded organizations to further advance our sustainability goals.

5S Sustainability Framework

Taking strong strides towards a green footprintand sustainable growth

Students & Learning

Every campus has a calendar for sustainability related activities for students and it includes seminars, clean-ups, recycling drives, Environmental days (earth day, biodiversity day, water day etc.) celebrations. Additionally students undertake sustainability related hand-on projects in various subjects.

Stakeholder Connect

Our aim is maximum participation from students as well as staff and communicate our projects in an effective manner to motivate everyone. We actively engage parents in our programmes. Increasingly our students also are having an impact in their local communities with their passionate initiatives.

Structure & Governance

Our schools have a sustainability policy and commitments, Sustainability team at each campus, regular planning and monitoring of activities.

Skill Development

We provide the latest knowledge & skills in this field to our students and staff. We aim to provide good research opportunities to students and platform in international competitions

School Management & Operations

We provide a green and healthy school campus and grounds. We have projects which include reduction of carbon footprint, waste and water use.

GHG Emissions for the Year 2022

* Data from GIIS Tokyo, PG SMART Campus, East Coast, Whitefield, Hadapsar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi

Health, Safety and Operational Excellence

ISO 9001 and ISO 21001 certifications provide schools with a structured framework for quality management and continuous improvement, leading to enhanced educational outcomes, stakeholder satisfaction.

15

Schools ISO 9001, 21001 and 45001 certified

3

Schools in process

Ensuring the health and safety of staff is not only a legal requirement but also a moral obligation for us. All our schools are or aim to get ISO 45001 certified, Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use, offer a single, clear framework for all organisations. We aim to provide a safe and healthy workplace for employees and visitors.

Green Building Features

The campuses are being designed keeping in mind the green building architecture. It is not only cost-effective in the long run but also beneficial for students.

GIIS SMART Campus has fully embraced green initiatives in its design. It has got BCA Green Mark Gold certification.

Terracotta for external façade to provide thermal comfort to the users. It also saves AC energy by reducing heat effect from the external envelope.

Green Labeled material used in buildings

like, external and internal paint, carpet etc.

Green Labeled fittings in the toilet

as per PUB requirements. To save water and provide better water efficiency.

Motion sensors

In Classrooms, Studios, Offices, Corridors, Staircases, Toilets and canteen area. This helps to save energy when the room is not in use.

Landscapes

Rain Garden, Green walls, Nest area plantation

Renewable Energy

Solar panel installation on roof (Future project)

More features in our upcoming OWIS campus in Punggol

IoT System in toilet

The first school in Singapore to install an IoT system. The system automatically checks the amount of water, paper usage. It gives data to teams and schools to check their water usage daily through the DSS/ Mobile App system.

PAHU (Precision Air Handling Unit) at every floor

having PAHU at every floor can be very useful to turn off the system if the floor is not having any occupancy. This will save a lot of energy.

UNSDG Related Activities

Donation by Harrods school students and staff

Donation by Harrods school students and staff

Food donation by GIIS Ahmedabad students and staff

Kaizens, Digital Pedagogy

World Water day celebration by GIIS East Coast

Disposable bottle collection for recycling by Harrods International Academy, Cambodia

Students with their sustainable cities project

Plantations by GIIS Singapore students in One million tree movement

Beach clean up by OWIS Singapore

Trails & walks organised by WWF for GIIS East Coast

Certificate of membership

We partnered with the Global Schools Program to apply the principles of UNSDGs in all our schools.

The Global Schools Program is an initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network in support of UNESCO’s Global Action Program on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

Listed below are our recent Sustainability related Awards

Social Responsibility

Donation Drives
GSF has contributed nearly S$1.25 million towards the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) towards curriculum development as well as supporting tuition programmes and educational needs of students who come from lower-income strata of society.

Food donation drive by GIIS Tokyo

Global Schools Foundation has donated S$250K towards community development and welfare funds of Citizens Consultative Committees (CCC) of six constituencies in Singapore during the time of Covid-19 crises, as part of their initiatives to social responsibility.

Charity auction of student paintings at Harrods International Academy

Community Engagement

GIIS East Coast collaborating with WWF

OWIS students donation drive for construction workers

Staff Welfare
Staff welfare is an essential aspect of our organisation being committed to promoting a positive work environment and ensuring the well-being of its employees

We are an equal opportunity employer and embrace diversity in race, nationality, religion, ancestry, marital status, gender, age, ethnic origin, physical ability, and sexual orientation.

Employee Diversity, Turnover and Training

* Data from 9 campuses (EC, PG, Dubai, Bannerghatta, Whitefield, Balewadi, Hadapsar, Noida and Ahmedabad)

Environmental Stewardship

Our Focus Areas

Carbon footprint mapping and reduction
Energy & Water conservation
Waste management
Green building features
School Gardens for biodiversity and growing food

Carbon Footprint Calculation

The main sources of GHG emissions for us are from school’s consumption of energy, mainly electricity and in scope 3 it is transport buses.

Electric charging station for vehicles at Punggol Campus

Energy Conservation and Management

To reach the goal of carbon neutrality, we have to start with reducing our energy wastage and being energy efficient.

* Data from GIIS Tokyo, PG SMART Campus, East Coast, Whitefield, Hadapsar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Regent International School

Water Conservation

Water week celebration at GIIS East Coast

Waste Management

Schools produce waste mostly in the form of paper and food which provide a potential for waste minimisation and recycling. In addition we also have e-waste since we are a technology driven school. We have regular recycling drives for e-waste and paper.

E-waste recycling drive at GIIS KL

Food waste reduction project at GIIS East Coast

Students segregating waste at GIIS SMART Campus

P2P (Plastics to Pieces) is an innovative initiative led by Regent Students. The project aims to combat the issue of plastic waste by implementing sustainable practices and transforming discarded plastics into useful materials

School Gardens

We focus on two aspects: Growing food and appreciating biodiversity. Growing their food gives them a sense of ownership and pride in the process. Planting of different native species and pollinator attracting plants helps create awareness about the role of biodiversity.

Students at GIIS East Coast Garden

Students harvesting in GIIS Hadapsar Campus

Kitchen and Butterfly Garden at GIIS Noida

Hydroponics at GIIS SMART Campus

Governance

Ethical Behavior & Compliance

We recognize the importance of cultivating a culture of integrity and ethical conduct. To that end, we have developed a Code of Conduct that outlines the standards of personal and professional conduct that all employees must uphold.

Personal Data Protection

At GSF, protecting personal data and respecting individuals’ privacy rights is a priority. The organisation has implemented multiple measures to ensure compliance with relevant data protection laws and regulations, recognizing the importance of proper management of personal data under the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) to prevent misuse. We have a privacy policy, firewall policy and information sensitivity and security policy ensuring compliance and protection to staff and students privacy.

Equity & Diversity

GSF operates schools across multiple countries and recognizes the importance of managing diversity to create inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students. We recognize that a diverse leadership team enriches decision-making processes and encourages innovative solutions to complex challenges. Diversity in school management extends beyond gender, encompassing various dimensions such as ethnicity, age, cultural background, abilities, and experiences.

Audit & Certifications

GSF operates schools across multiple countries and recognizes the importance of managing diversity to create inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students. We recognize that a diverse leadership team enriches decision-making processes and encourages innovative solutions to complex challenges. Diversity in school management extends beyond gender, encompassing various dimensions such as ethnicity, age, cultural background, abilities, and experiences.

Globals Annual Leadership Summit (GALS)

GALS is an annual event held to promote leadership and improvisations of the current system by brainstorming ideas, thoughts, innovative processes, and existing process enhancements for all GSF schools.

Student Learning

UNSDG Related Activities
We offer a range of co-curricular activities aligned with the UNSDGs which allow students to gain practical experience in subjects beyond the syllabus. Our emphasis is also on providing practical experiences in addition to theoretical knowledge in classes, through hands-on experiences in the curriculum, extra-curricular activities, and quality circle projects.

No. of Completed Activities till March 2023 as per UNSDGs (For all schools)

OWIS Nanyang students winning Young Reporters for Environment 2022

GIIS SMART campus students win Company of the year competition