“5 Days, 5 Changes" to Meet New EU Energy Targets

Preparing each student to become a global citizen who can shape the world is put to the test in no better way at the moment than with the pressing global need to reduce energy consumption, to save the planet. Along with all Eco-School Councils in Globeducate schools in 10 countries, our students have launched a mission to help conserve energy by changing behaviour in seven simple steps - and everyone is invited to join in, at school and at home.

O Castro British International School is a proud member of Globeducate and shares the group´s commitment to addressing the United Nations sustainable development goals. With the hope of reaching carbon neutral status by 2050, the EU has set a new target of 19c maximum heat.

Students across the year groups in our school are going to make seven positive changes over seven days of the week. Together, we will work on the challenge of conserving energy so that we can leave a lasting positive impact.

From Pre-School to Sixth Form, students and teachers, everyone will be set the challenge of conserving energy so that we can leave a lasting positive carbon footprint.

Leyre Seco, a Year 13 student and member of our School Eco-Council, said: “I believe it is very important to instill these practices from a young age so it is something that is done in their daily life. As young people, we must all do our little bit for the environment. Every action counts and this is what this campaign is about!”

What are we going to change?

Monday – Switch games consoles and devices to energy-saving mode!

Tuesday – Unplug fully charged devices!

Wednesday – Switch off lights!

Thursday – Have a shorter shower and turn off taps!

Friday – Play traditional games as well

Moira Tomé, Eco Schools Coordinator at the school explained: "At O Castro British International School we consider the training and awareness of our pupils to be a basic pillar of our actions as an Eco school. Our pupils will be the citizens of the future and for this reason we believe it is essential to provide them with the tools and knowledge necessary to promote a sustainable lifestyle, both in their own lives and in the lives of those around them. From our Eco Committee we fully support this energy saving campaign, as it offers concrete actions that can be applied on a daily basis. We are implementing the campaign in the school, but we also encourage our students to put it into practice in their own homes, thus becoming drivers of the change that is so necessary for our planet”.

Monica Fontán, Assistant Education Director and Eco-Schools Lead, said: “Our students have demonstrated their commitment to tackling climate change and to conserving the environment through their amazing efforts in their Eco-Schools action plans and how they have worked with their peers and their school communities to educate and inspire them. The sense of urgency that is felt by many since our involvement, through WWF-UK, in COP 26 in Scotland last year, has prompted this call for immediate action.”

About Eco Schools

O Castro British International School joined the Eco Schools programme in 2020. After three years of work led by the Eco Committee, last October it received its first green flag, in recognition of the environmental protection and care work of the entire educational community.