Sustainability at ISB: A Collective Journey Toward a More Responsible Future

At the International School of Boston, we often speak about citizenship, engagement, and global awareness. These words take on their full meaning when tied to a cause that is concrete, urgent, and universal: sustainability.

In 2023, ISB officially launched its EFE3D initiative, short for Établissement en Démarche de Développement Durable, or “Schools in a Sustainable Development Approach”, a program recognized by the French Ministry of Education. This initiative encourages schools to integrate ecological, social, and economic issues into their day-to-day operations, curriculum, and culture.

We are proud to share that ISB has earned the Level 1 EFE3D label, a meaningful acknowledgment of the commitment and collaborative efforts of our entire school community.

More Than a Label: A Community-Wide Mindset Shift

While the EFE3D label provides a framework, its true strength lies in the collective momentum it fosters. The initiative is built on a simple but ambitious idea: making sustainability a core part of school life by engaging everyone—students, teachers, staff, administrators, and families. It is not about checking boxes; it is about evolving our practices and shifting our perspective, step by step, together.

The EFE3D program offers three levels of recognition. With Level 1 now achieved, ISB begins an exciting and structured journey toward more meaningful and long-term sustainability work in the years to come.

Students Leading the Way

One of the most energizing aspects of the EFE3D initiative is the active involvement of our students. Elected Eco-Delegates in the Elementary, Middle, and Upper School divisions have embraced their roles with enthusiasm. They observe, debate, propose, and organize, often inspiring the adults around them with their passion and creativity.

But sustainability work extends well beyond the Eco-Delegates. More and more classes across grade levels are participating in environmental and community-focused projects, illustrating the far-reaching impact of the EFE3D approach.

Visible, Concrete Projects That Spark Action

Here are just a few of the initiatives ISB has undertaken so far:

• Improved waste sorting: With new signage, classroom audits, and student-led awareness campaigns, recycling is becoming second nature to many on campus.
• Student-driven awareness efforts: From food waste to single-use plastics and energy use, students are designing posters, presentations, and other materials to educate their peers. These projects give students new ways to learn while helping their community take action.
• Composting and pollinator-friendly gardens: These playful, educational, and ecological projects, especially with our youngest learners, connect sustainability to hands-on experiences.
• Interdisciplinary learning: Faculty across departments are collaborating to explore sustainability through science, geography, economics, art, and more.
• Measuring our ecological footprint: A group of Upper School students conducted a survey on school-wide consumption (including energy, transportation, and food). Their findings are currently under review as we explore next steps.
   

A More Conscious, More Responsible School

Perhaps the most important shift has been a collective change in awareness. We know that systemic change takes time, but each small action contributes to a growing, school-wide commitment. Achieving the Level 1 EFE3D label affirms our commitment and motivates us to continue.

What's Next?

Looking ahead, ISB plans to deepen its sustainability work. Next year’s goals include expanding compost collection, developing new local partnerships, increasing family engagement, and supporting faculty in embedding climate-related content into their teaching.

Longer-term, as part of the School’s five-year Strategic Plan, we hope to obtain level three sustainability certification from the French Ministry to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable practices.

At ISB, we believe schools play a key role in building a more just, respectful, and sustainable world. Thanks to the engagement of our entire community, we are moving forward, together, with purpose and optimism.

About the Author: Adrien Binet is an Upper School Biology and Earth Science teacher and serves as the E3D (Education for Sustainable Development) coordinator at his school. He holds a Master’s degree in Cell Physiology from the University of Paul Sabatier Toulouse III. He has taught in high schools both in France and Madrid, Spain. Passionate about active learning and environmental issues, he is committed to raising students’ awareness of today’s significant ecological challenges.