In collaboration with Green Standard Schools, IH recently launched One Step Greener – a programme that encourages IH schools to take small, manageable steps that build up into significant environmental action.

Every month IH members receive school resources, lesson plans and guidance on a new topic, such as saving water or exploring environmental topics in the classroom. This will help schools to first achieve an internal IH sustainability badge and then Green Standard Schools accreditation, the only independent mark for environmental responsibility in language teaching.

Green Standard Schools accreditation is designed specifically for the language teaching sector. Grounded in knowledge and experience of how language schools run, the steps in our programme are realistic, achievable and impactful. Whether a small, family-run business providing courses for the local community or part of a multinational corporation with programmes for students from around the world, every language school can take meaningful action for a healthy, safe future.

We are delighted that IH shares this vision for their international network of diverse language schools. They are committed to environmental sustainability and were highly commended in The PIEoneer Awards 2021 Sustainability International Impact Award category. They know that many IH schools are taking action and want to do more, and recognise that environmental responsibility is something students value and want to see too.

If you are part of the IH network and would like to learn more, GSS President Jonathan Dykes will be attending the forthcoming IH Directors’ Conference in Valencia, Spain, and will be happy to discuss the project with you. You can also get in touch at any time via email.

If you would like to move towards sustainability one step at a time, either as a single school or a group, Green Standard Schools accreditation can provide the structure you need.