Every year on 22 April, Earth Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to care for our planet. At The British School of Brussels, this commitment goes far beyond a single day – we strive to weave sustainability into every aspect of student life.
Through hands-on activities, thoughtful lessons, and community initiatives, we empower every student to understand their environmental impact and take meaningful action. Our dedicated teachers provide our students with incredible opportunities in and around campus to learn that even small changes can make a big difference. By fostering environmental responsibility and encouraging active engagement with the world around them, we are shaping a generation of mindful, eco-conscious citizens ready to build a brighter, greener future for all.
Here we take a detailed look at how our school community works together to ensure that Earth Day is every day at BSB.
BSB stands as a leader in sustainability and environmental education, firmly embedding green practices and values throughout its curriculum, campus, and broader community. At BSB, the conviction that learning transcends the physical boundaries of the classroom has led to the development of the innovative “Learning without Walls” programme. This outdoor learning initiative offers enriching experiences for students, taking education into the natural world under the guidance of dedicated teachers.
These sessions are carefully designed to complement and enhance the curriculum, providing unique opportunities for students to engage with nature, foster environmental stewardship, and cultivate a diverse set of skills. Throughout the academic year, students across different year groups participate in these sessions, which align with their Units of Discovery, ensuring a seamless integration of outdoor experiences into their learning journey. Activities, such as constructing shelters to explore early human adaptation or creating nature-inspired art while delving into scientific concepts, interweave academic knowledge with hands-on experiences in the natural world.
A key objective of BSB’s outdoor learning programme is to instil a profound appreciation for nature and the environment in its students. By immersing themselves in outdoor settings, students develop a sense of connection to the natural world, building empathy and understanding towards ecological systems. At BSB, outdoor learning is a cornerstone of their educational philosophy, fostering a deep connection with nature and instilling a sense of environmental stewardship from a young age.
Dedicated Outdoor Learning staff members Kate Ringrose and Carola Chambers, along with Charlie Phillips, who runs the BSBees eco-club, exemplify this commitment through their tireless efforts in guiding students through immersive experiences in the school’s outdoor areas, including The Glade, their dedicated outdoor nature hub, and the encompassing forest. Here, students explore ecosystems firsthand and participate in sustainable, creative arts projects that merge artistic expression with ecological awareness. These leaders not only teach about the importance of biodiversity and sustainability but also embody these principles, championing an eco-friendly mindset among the students. Their dedication to the “Learning Without Walls” initiative and extracurricular clubs extend beyond regular class hours, significantly enriching the students’ educational journey.
This commitment has been pivotal in BSB earning recognition as an Eco School and being awarded the prestigious Green Flag for sustainability, becoming the first international school in Belgium to receive this honour in 2022. This achievement followed an intensive programme of audits, action plans, and projects addressing sustainability areas such as waste management, energy use, climate change, and global citizenship, with students playing a central role in these initiatives.
Eco-Schools is the largest and oldest recognition of education for sustainable development globally. The flag is awarded in recognition for all the projects around school that add up to being sustainable. Through the guidance of dedicated staff, BSB has become a beacon of environmental responsibility, inspiring a generation of young leaders who are committed to preserving our planet.
“At BSB, our community is committed to being a positive educational force, nurturing confident, compassionate, and courageous individuals who engage with the world actively, ethically, and with purpose,” said Kate. “Our students embody these values by demonstrating a profound respect for the environment and recognising the impact of their actions in protecting the planet—while inspiring others to join them in these efforts”.
The impact of their work extends far beyond the campus, influencing the broader community and reinforcing the school’s reputation as a hub for green education and climate action. Environmental education at BSB is seamlessly integrated into the curriculum across various disciplines. In Primary, younger students engage in activities such as gardening, composting, recycling programmes, and outdoor lessons through the “Learning without Walls” initiative. These hands-on experiences foster early connections with nature and instil conservation values.
Elsewhere, Year 9 students participate in interdisciplinary units on climate change, exploring topics like renewable energy, sustainable food systems, and fashion. STEM workshops allow them to develop practical solutions to industry challenges, while geography lessons focus on the impacts of climate change. Additionally, art classes encourage creative expression related to environmental themes. BSB also encourages creative advocacy, as demonstrated by Year 8 Geography students who created art installations and poems on ocean pollution as part of their Coastal Unit studies, with their work being showcased at a United Nations event on World Environment Day in Brussels.
Furthermore, BSB has made significant strides towards reducing its environmental footprint through campus-wide initiatives. In March 2025, the school announced the installation of 580 solar panels with an annual production capacity of 233MWh, covering over 20% of its electricity consumption. This investment aligns with long-term energy regulations and demonstrates BSB’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.
BSB also actively engages with international organisations such as the United Nations Environment Office and the European Union, with highlights including participation in UN Earth Day celebrations at Brussels’ Grand Place, where students presented innovative models addressing plastic pollution, and contributions to a Sustainable Textile Event co-hosted by the UN and EU, where Year 12 students showcased upcycled denim outfits designed from donated materials.
Charlotte Lemaitre, a Geography teacher at BSB, expressed pride in these efforts: “The world is changing, and the students at The British School of Brussels want to be part of the solution… Their exhibition aims to create a mindset shift”.
BSB’s sustainability initiatives aim not only to educate but also to inspire lifelong advocacy for environmental stewardship. Graduates leave equipped with the knowledge and passion for sustainability, often pursuing careers dedicated to preserving the planet.
At The British School of Brussels, sustainability is more than just an idea – it is embedded in every aspect of school life. From curriculum integration to campus-wide green infrastructure and global collaborations, BSB exemplifies how education can empower young minds to address pressing environmental challenges.
Through all its sustainability efforts, BSB aims to inspire curiosity, foster resilience, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning – as well as a profound respect for our planet – one outdoor adventure at a time.
Interested in joining the BSB community? Please contact our Admissions team for more details.