73
BGreen PRESENTS
Is the ideal tool to help your business build strong and result-oriented CSR strategies that lead to financial gains and growth. This month we bring you Education in Sustainability: Catching ‘em young
F
rom over-fishing to global warming, our way of life is placing an increasing burden on the planet, which cannot be sustained. Things which were once taken for granted such as a secure supply of energy or a stable climate do not look so permanent now. Upcoming generations have the most to gain or lose by our action or inaction on sustainable development. To contribute their bit to embedding sustainability in the psyche of the next generation, businesses should incorporate sustainability education that targets the young as part of their CSR.
•
•
•
Tips & Ideas •
•
•
Before starting on sustainability education for the young, identify the age groups you want to engage with – what works with school children may not work with college students. The approach you want to take - formal, informal or a hybrid - also matters. Start with schools. Focus on activities where you can incorporate your company’s core competencies and experience. For elementary school children, you could develop simple experimentation kits where they can immerse themselves in the learning experience. For example, BASF’s Kids’ Lab is among the company’s important sustainable projects, where children can conduct small chemical experiments on their own and learn about the world of chemistry in a fun-filled and safe environment. To sensitise the older children in middle and high schools, organise projects, workshops, competitions and field visits revolving around sustainability-related topics or themes. Organise competitions where students can propose ways to make their school or homes more sustainable or list the
www.buildgreen.ae
•
•
top three things individuals should do for a sustainable UAE. Sponsor eco-friendly programmes that involve the whole school like waste recycling, water conservation, transportation. Work with a faculty to incorporate sustainability themes and issues within the student curriculum. Use the power of the web to reach out to the student community at large. Develop and post online sustainability education materials, interactive tools and games and even courseware to supplement the class room and be accessible to students and teachers alike. To reach to the youth in colleges and universities, you could set up special scholarships, fellowships, awards or even endow chairs that encourage the pursuit of excellence in the field of sustainability, and all these could be linked back to your business. For example, if you are associated with the construction business, the scholarships or awards could focus on sustainable construction. Tap employees in your organisation to volunteer time, energy and expertise for engaging the young on sustainability topics. For example, specially trained employees could conduct lessons or experiments to enhance children’s awareness of environmental issues using products or technologies developed by your company.
Expert Comment BASF’s CSR expert explains how an effective climate protection campaign can benefit your business in terms of image, internal relations and potential financial returns. Harald Kroll, Managing Director,
BASF FZE says, “The young are the best ambassadors for social habits supporting change, sustainability included. It is our shared responsibility to educate the young on sustainable development, so that we, as businesses, positively contribute to the emergence of socially and environmentally conscious citizens and entrepreneurs and workforce of tomorrow. Such initiatives also strengthen the present generation’s trust in your organisation as someone who cares for their future.”
Resources Teaching Green: 100 Tips, Tools, & Resources for Every Kind of Classroom http://www.onlinedegreeprograms.com/ blog/2010/teaching-green-100-tips-toolsresources-for-every-kind-of-classroom/ Education for sustainable development (ESD) is an initiative by UNESCO http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/ themes/leading-the-international-agenda/ education-for-sustainable-development/ UNEP Web site with a library of interactive maps and hundreds of illustrations on sustainable development issues http://maps.grida.no/ Quarterly magazine featuring ideas for rethinking education in light of environmental and global challenges. Includes practical articles, ready-to-use activities, and evaluations of books, kits, games, and other resources. http://www.greenteacher.com/ Sustainability education is an integral part of BASF’s sustainability strategy. The link below tells you how. http://www.basf.com/group/sustainability_ en/index
December2011