SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION: THE BBIS GREEN TEAM

In a recent interview led by Grade 9 student Laknisan, Green Team student leaders Athénaïs and Tim Yu Daniel shared how BBIS’s unique environment supports their work in sustainability. Their responses highlighted the importance of diversity, collaboration and hands-on learning within the BBIS community.

Strengthened by diversity

The Green Team student leaders began by emphasising how BBIS’s international environment enriches their work. With members from a wide range of cultures, backgrounds and educational systems, the team benefits from a variety of perspectives and interests.

Some students focus on nutrition and healthy eating, while others are passionate about energy, biodiversity and sustainable design. This diversity allows the group to approach challenges creatively and collaboratively, ensuring that every project reflects a broad range of ideas and experiences.

Learning from our green campus

The student leaders explained that one of the standout features of BBIS is its natural environment. Surrounded by forests and thriving wildlife, the campus provides countless opportunities for hands-on learning and environmental initiatives.

Athénaïs and Tim Yu Daniel described how the gardens, wooded areas and wildlife around campus have enabled the team to develop a range of practical projects. Most recently, they completed several insect hotels designed to support local biodiversity. They also highlighted previous initiatives, including planting flowers and trees, which were made possible by the rich natural environment surrounding BBIS.

Applying academic skills

The Green Team leaders highlighted how BBIS’s academic approach, particularly the IB Design Cycle, has shaped their approach to planning and problem-solving.

The insect hotel project followed the full design process: researching, planning, gathering materials, building and evaluating. Over the summer holiday, the team plans to observe how well the insect hotels function and identify opportunities for improvement based on their findings.

This reflective approach is a core part of the IB philosophy and has become central to the Green Team’s projects.

Collaboration beyond the Green Team

Earlier this year, the Green Team invited a sustainability expert from Volkspark Potsdam to share insights and guide students through the process of creating the insect hotels.

The team also partnered with the Model United Nations Club to host the first-ever BBIS Climate Summit for Grade 11 students. Bringing together voices from diplomacy, finance, technology and engineering, the event provided students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about global environmental challenges and explore potential solutions.

Living the values of BBIS

When asked how their work aligns with the values of BBIS, the student leaders explained that the Green Team embodies the inclusive and globally minded spirit that the school demonstrates every day.

They highlighted how their projects bring students together around a shared mission: raising awareness and taking action to support the environment.

Looking ahead

Looking to the future, the Green Team plans to explore BBIS’s energy usage and research small-scale renewable energy demonstrations, such as solar-powered models for Primary School students.

The leaders also emphasised the importance of continuing to build awareness and encourage sustainable thinking across the wider BBIS community.

At BBIS, we believe that sustainability begins with learning and grows through action. Recognition as an Internationale Nachhaltigkeitsschule – Umweltschule in Europa reaffirms our commitment to empowering students to care for the environment and take meaningful action with purpose and empathy.