SUSTAINABILITY AT BBIS

We’re committed to doing our part for the planet, by reducing waste and lowering our consumption of water and energy. See how we’re creating a more sustainable school environment.

MEASURING SUCCESS

30% LESS

Heat loss when we replaced our heat distribution network in 2017

25% LESS

Energy consumption when we replaced our heating station in 2021

30%

Regenerated heat using heat pump system

1/3 LESS

Primary energy consumption with new efficient heat and power CHP Unit

>20%

Of the school’s energy needs are met by our solar panels

AN ONGOING EFFORT

At BBIS, we’ve invested in many changes – big and small – to reduce our environmental footprint. And we recognise it’s an ongoing effort, with continual room for improvement.

In 2019, BBIS hosted the inaugural 3-day European Summit on Education for Sustainability Leadership, in partnership with the Cambridge University Institute for Leadership. As a direct result of the conference, BBIS staff and students formed our Sustainability Action Group – and remain committed to helping our school become even more sustainable.

In December 2023, we were recognised as an 'Umweltschule in Europa - Internationale Nachhaltigkeitsschule' by the prestigious 'Deutsche Gesellschaft für Umwelterziehung' (German Society for Environmental Education). This achievement is a testament to our commitment to environmental education and making a positive impact on the world. You can read more about current activities as an Eco-School here.

The curriculum throughout Primary and Secondary School includes topics relating to sustainability and climate change, and it is also a regular theme for the Grade 5 Exhibition and the Grade 10 Personal Projects.

Here are some of practical measures we take to make our school more sustainable.

Recycling

We have a waste recycling programme throughout the whole school
We use recycled paper for our office, teaching and learning materials

Energy consumption

LED lights are installed in all buildings
Electric transport cars used on campus for deliveries
All rooms are equipped with temperature sensors for energy-efficient heating
All buildings are equipped with motion sensors for hallway lights
Solar energy panels on the roof of our House 5 produce eco-friendly energy to power the school

Water consumption

We use rainwater for toilets and as firefighting water

Insulation

We use the maximum possible internal insulation for building facades
There is comprehensive internal insulation through roof refurbishments
Our windows all feature highly effective thermal insulation

Protecting our planet

We plant three new trees for each tree that needs to be cut due to construction
Bathrooms are equipped with jet air dryers instead of paper towels