Sustainability in Education
The Koç School guides young people to become ethical citizens and leaders capable of building a better world. The United Nations Global Compact and the UN Sustainable Development Goals form the general framework for Koç School's environmental initiatives.
Koç School Campus is located in an area rich in natural diversity. In addition to species that live on campus, many migratory species such as birds and butterflies can also be seen feeding and resting on campus. During the 2022-23 academic year, a total of 2,240 observations were made at the Koç School as a result of BioBlitz activities carried out with the contributions of field experts. At the Koç School, 182 plant species, 17 insect species, 34 bird species, 8 mushroom species, 3 mammals, 3 reptiles, 2 mollusks, and 1 spider species have been identified. You may access the Biodiversity Booklet prepared for the Koç School with field experts via the link.
Sustainability is one of the cornerstones of the educational philosophy at the Koç School. Sustainability initiatives comprehensively addressed in schools encompass not only environmental issues but also fair economic order, social equality, and respect for human rights. Compliance with these principles is vital for building a healthier, more balanced, and sustainable future on a global scale.
In the sustainability initiatives undertaken for this purpose, students are provided with knowledge on environmental issues, while their scientific research and problem-solving skills, individual and group action, leadership, and social communication skills are supported to enable them to generate solutions to problems.
In order to disseminate and enrich the studies, school-based and school-outside collaborations are established with various associations, civil society organizations, and institutions conducting sustainability studies. This ensures that students stay up to date with the work being done in our country and around the world.
The following practices can be cited as examples of sustainability initiatives at the Koç School:
Sustainability, which is addressed in our teaching programs within the scope of topics and learning outcomes, supports and aims to develop students' environmental awareness and sense of social responsibility.
As a school implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network Global Schools Program, our school addresses topics such as sustainable development, ecosystem balance, and resource management in its lessons. Additionally, projects developed on recycling and energy conservation generate innovative solutions. This allows students to reinforce their theoretical knowledge through practical projects and research, while gaining a holistic perspective on environmental issues.
School clubs and activities are planned in a way that supports sustainability awareness. Clubs such as the Roots and Shoots Club, Permaculture Club, and Creative Works Club at the Koç School aim to carry out activities directly related to this theme. Sustainability is explored through different themes in clubs working in different disciplines (NASA Kids Club, MUN, Koç Scholars, etc.). Club activities include organizing events such as recycling campaigns, nature-friendly farming, and awareness initiatives aimed at reducing the school's energy consumption.
As part of the Turkish Environmental Education Foundation's Eco-Schools Program and in line with the "Zero Waste" initiative, Koç School students promote the adoption of a sustainable lifestyle by conducting waste management and recycling activities on campus. These activities aim to raise social awareness while contributing to the development of students as environmentally conscious individuals.
