The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has signed a sponsorship agreement with British Petroleum (BP) to carry out 'green audits' and find ways to reduce the carbon footprint of schools in Abu Dhabi.

Majid Al Mansouri, secretary general of EAD, highlighted the importance of the new ‘Al Madaris Al Mustadama’ (sustainable schools) initiative in creating an environment-aware society. This is in line with the main targets the agency seeks to accomplish in light of Abu Dhabi Executive Council’s directives.

The goal will be a tool to tackle challenges that appear amid the fast-paced development the emirate of Abu Dhabi is witnessing. Some of these challenges include a decrease in sub-surface water levels, increased consumption of water and energy per capita in addition to fears of bio-diversity degradation.

Recently, the EAD conducted surveys to evaluate the levels of environment awareness among school children. The study showed a widening gap between awareness and behaviour, hence the role of the initiative to find solutions in line with teachers’ role in providing guidance, support and follow-up.

'BP has a strong reputation for promoting education and environmental responsibility around the world,” said Jay Pearson, BP's general manager in Abu Dhabi.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with EAD to support this important initiative in Abu Dhabi. The sustainable schools initiative is an example of EAD's vision and creativity and we have every confidence that it will make a real difference in Abu Dhabi's schools.'

Fozeya Al Mahmoud, manager of environmental education department at EAD, said: “One of the keys to achieving environmental sustainability is through education. We are proud to say that this initiative will address the whole school, including students, their parents, teachers and administrative officials.”

“EAD has developed several tools in collaboration with India's Centre for Science and Environment and Centre for Environment Education. Moreover, it is in line with best practice in environmental education from around the world,' Al Mahmoud added.

Gayatri Raghwa, specialist, environment education department at EAD, said: 'For the next five years, we will be building the capacity of these schools, including government, private and model schools.

“We will help them realize their own impact on the environment. By the end of this initiative, not only will the participating schools would have reduced their own ecological footprint, they would also have moved from 'awareness' to 'action' by delivering concrete results. The activities in this project will help promote critical thinking abilities, leadership qualities and problem solving skills.”

To guide schools throughout this initiative, EAD has developed several tools that include the Green School Manual (a do-it-yourself manual that contains guidelines for students and teachers on how to audit water, air, energy, waste, and land, within the school premises), Environmental Clubs Manual (clubs in schools give students an opportunity to translate their awareness into action), Environmental Field Trips Manual, Environment Education Teachers' Manual, Teacher's Online Training & Certification Course, Training of the Trainers' Programme and Green School Awards that recognize school achievements based on concrete deliverables. – TradeArabia News Service