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Green Technology and Education: Preparing Students for a Sustainable Future

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Aayushi

13 January, 2024

Green Technology and Education: Preparing Students for a Sustainable Future

To imagine living in a future where enough resources are not there for the future generations to come is not only frightening but also a call for action for all that are here today.

In every meeting held by international leaders like G20, SET2023, COP, NATO, etc., sustainability is one of the prime discussions that always come to light. It is because of the effectiveness that the idea of sustainability provides in bringing a thought of endeavours for the coming generations that it always has been so prime to talk about.

In the present era, every day, people suffer from health issues, environmental concerns, societal ruckus and all this calls for the use of green technology more and more. Countries like Germany and Sweden have realised the importance of sustainability and the use of green technology and therefore, are ranked first in green perception and green performance respectively.

GreEducation: Green Education for the Win!

The education sector is one of the most prominent parts of society that imparts knowledge to individuals and helps them earn a living while building a rank or status for themselves. Globalisation has also revolutionised this sector and unfortunately, it has also become one sector contributing to environmental hazards presently. Therefore, it is important that green technology is employed in the sector of education to make it more eco-friendly and sustainable in its approach.

Before we dive into understanding the impact of green technology in the education sector, we need to first grasp the concept of green technology. The rising concerns about environmental degradation and unpredictable climate changes have driven us to take proactive steps towards creating a more sustainable environment.

Green technology plays a very important role here which refers to using such sustainable solutions and eco-friendly practices, encouraging using resources in a way that the least amount has the most use and also does not bring any damage to the environment. Green technology uses such approaches that lead to less ecological degradation and has a significant positive effect, not only on the environment but also on the quality of human life.

Embracing sustainability in the sector of education has also been really important, especially in the past decade. The concept of using green technology with education refers to using such innovative approaches that enhance the overall teaching-learning experience but also benefit the environment in numerous ways.

SES: Sustainable Educational Solutions

The world of green technology has also enveloped the field of education and we are exploring different eco-friendly solutions that are both transformational for the educational institutions and also for the climate. Let us explore a few ways as to how education and green technology are working synonymous with each other to bring about those sustainable changes.

  • Illuminating the Future with Efficient Energy Use

Energy efficiency has become one of the key pillars in creating a sustainable future by using green technology methods. There are millions of schools worldwide and so, using energy-saving methods can bring a major impact in reducing carbon footprints. LED lighting systems have become one of the trendiest ways to save energy as they optimise power consumption. Smart sensors are another way to save energy costs and also reduce the impact on the environment and build a better future.

  • Renewable Energy for Renewed Spirits

The concept of renewable energy is introduced early on to the students in young ages so they realise the power of this concept. Renewable energy is a very simple concept of using more of sources that get renewed by themselves, rather than using the sources that will get depleted within some years due to their excessive use and limited quantities.

Using renewable energy not only promotes a sustainable future but also allows students to explore these resources on their own. Using solar panels, using rain harvesting systems, windmills, etc. are some common but highly effective ways of harnessing energy from renewable sources.

  • Recycling: Cycling towards Zero Waste

Educational institutes are now encouraged all the way to actively use practices that empower waste reduction and encourage recycling methods. Tons of waste that comes from schools are now being recycled and changed into organic waste. This helps support eco-friendly solutions by turning them into nutrient-rich compost which is then used to enrich the soil of the gardens of the school itself and also other green spaces that are used by the public.

  • Internet: The Hidden Bliss of Sustainable Change

Globalisation and the internet has given way to be more reliant on online data generation, electronic records, etc. and these are only rapidly expanding with the years. Education is now also accessible through distance/online modes, saving a lot on automobiles, travel, paper consumption, equipment, floor space, etc. Green technology has in one way, a means for ICT mode of sustainability by using the technology and the Internet to encourage sustainable learning.

  • Green Education Practises and Programmes

All the practices discussed above will be a waste if the concept of green education is not clear, especially with the ones directly involved in it- the teachers and the learners. The recognition of the programme has to be accomplished so that each individual involved carries out these practices, in an aware/unaware state. Green technology is also a way to build a green economy which has a very strong relation between creating a society.

Green training has to be provided so that people know how to deal with the different ecological demands of today by using such developmental alternative processes that provide awareness towards our environment and commitment to change it for sustainable days. To prepare students for a sustainable future, green training is the game changer.

Issues Faced when Employing Green Education

As important, it is to bring a change, it is also a fact that it is never easy to do so. Employing green technology in the field of education also comes with its set of challenges. According to various researchers, here are a few of the issues that are faced when green technologies are employed in educational institutions.

  • Not encouraging students to relate personal experiences to elevate the understanding of the need of sustainable development
  • Understanding the key difference between an environmentally sustainable education (ESD) and environment education (ED).
  • Not introducing green education at early levels of education and different forms of learning
  • Failing to include all different perspectives of sustainability into the green technology programmes

Conclusion

Education has always positively impacted society and has led towards global development. The education environment has constantly been revamped by different changes, but today it calls for a sustainable revolution. Green technology which calls for using eco-friendly practices has also called for the education sector to bring in changes to create a climate that is suitable for the coming generations.

Environmental related models in curriculum are now more suited for the students so that they learn the importance of sustainable development and are provided with the education that addresses climatic issues.

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