The Green School is a collaborative effort between the Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) aimed at fostering environmental awareness and knowledge among schoolchildren. Launched in April 2017, this initiative nurtures critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and a comprehensive understanding of environmental preservation. By interweaving themes such as Energy, Water, Forest & Biodiversity, Waste, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), The Green School inspires behavioral changes among youth, empowering them to champion the planet’s well-being.
Significant achievements of the program include the establishment of Environment Management Committees (EMCs) within schools and engagement with surrounding communities. Notably, students actively participated in the World Sustainable Development Summit 2024 in Delhi, showcasing their leadership in promoting sustainability. Teachers have played a central role in this initiative, with ongoing capacity-building sessions covering thematic modules, gamification techniques, sustainable leadership programs, and more. The insights gained through these EMCs enable students to design and implement sustainable solutions within their institutions and communities. A key focus has been the creation and dissemination of resource materials to support teachers in incorporating environmental education into regular curricula, facilitating behavior change, and enhancing student engagement.
During the workshop in Ludhiana East, Ms. Sumana Singh, Unit Lead of TSF, highlighted the integration of environmental education into the daily teaching-learning processes of participating schools under the TSF-TERI partnership. Dr. Neelima Jerath, Former DG of PSCST and Pushpa Gujral Science City, stressed the long-term societal benefits of instilling environmental awareness among students at an early age. She lauded TSF and TERI for their commitment to this impactful initiative. Similarly, Mr. Manoj Kumar Gupta, Chief Finance & Accounts of Tata Steel, emphasized the vital role of environmental sustainability in reinforcing the region’s industrial and social harmony.
The workshop included expert-led sessions that addressed critical environmental themes. Mr. Anshuman, Director of TERI’s Water Resources Division, discussed water security and traditional conservation practices relevant to Punjab’s context, emphasizing the necessity of continuous monitoring to control pollution. Dr. Avneet Pal Singh from Punjabi University, Patiala, elaborated on the interdependence of humans and nature, using examples from Punjab to highlight biodiversity and cultural dynamics. Dr. Livleen Kahlon, Associate Director of TERI’s Environment Education and Awareness program, advocated for scaling local activities to global levels and introduced gamification techniques to enhance environmental learning. Teachers participated in group exercises to design educational games linking environmental concepts with school curricula.
Hands-on sessions equipped educators with practical skills, such as composting and bio-enzyme preparation using food waste, demonstrating eco-friendly practices applicable at both individual and community levels. These engaging activities inspired approximately 76 teachers from Ludhiana East to adopt the discussed techniques in their daily lives and classroom settings.
Prominent dignitaries at the event included Mr. Jasvir Singh, District Coordinator of Secondary Education, Mr. Jaswinder Singh, Deputy DEO of Secondary Education, Mr. Manoj Kumar, DEO Primary, and Mr. Gurukripal Singh, District Guidance Counselor for Ludhiana. The workshop emphasized the critical role of educators in driving sustainable environmental change and highlighted the importance of aligning local efforts with global sustainability goals.
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), headquartered in New Delhi, is a pioneering research organization in the fields of energy, environment, climate change, and sustainability. For nearly five decades, TERI has driven innovation, policy development, and implementation across these areas. Supported by a multidisciplinary team of professionals and state-of-the-art infrastructure, TERI operates through centers in six Indian cities, contributing to sustainable development across various sectors.
