Thinking and living in tune with nature is a way of life that is best started as early as possible, which is why we think there ought to be more schools like The Green School in Kfar Saba, Israel.
Located north of Petah Tikva, The Green School incorporates environmental education into their elementary curriculum to ensure that children develop good, sustainable lifestyle habits early on.
First to sixth graders are exposed to the major issues of our time, such as climate change, water security, pollution and food security, and then they are encouraged to participate in after school activities.
The difference between this and other schools that teach students about the importance of maintaining a small carbon footprint, using alternative fuels, and treading gently on the earth, is the design by Knafo Klimor Architects that affords a hands-on learning experience.
Heated and cooled with geothermal energy, The Green School is organized around a central green courtyard, where outdoor classes often take place.
There’s very little distinction between the indoor classes and the external environment thanks to a plethora of large windows that allow children to gaze outside as long as they want (no cave here.)
The school also promotes water conservation – a mentality that is instilled in most Israelis early on – by harvesting its own rainwater and treating grey water. Green roofs that crown the buildings conserve energy, improve air quality and encourage biological diversity, while double glazed windows further enhance energy efficiency.
For all this green goodness, the school received LEED Gold Certification.
Author: Tafline Laylin
As a tour leader who led “eco-friendly” camping trips throughout North America, Tafline soon realized that she was instead leaving behind a trail of gas fumes, plastic bottles and Pringles. In fact, wherever she traveled – whether it was Viet Nam or South Africa or England – it became clear how inefficiently the mandate to re-think our consumer culture is reaching the general public. Born in Iran, raised in South Africa and the United States, she currently splits her time between Africa and the Middle East. Tafline can be reached at tafline (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
