EF y el medio ambiente
EF is continously working to make its schools environmentally friendly as part of our "greener schools" project.
As a part of this project, we have begun work on a new environmental policy for our EF International Language Schools. By 2008, we aim to be in line with the EU "Ecolabel" environmental guidelines. Initially, we will benchmark ourselves against the EU guidelines for Tourist Accommodation, but we will also expand the guidelines considerably to cover the teaching environment (there are currently no guidelines that are school specific). For more information on the EU Ecolabel, please visit www.ecolabel-tourism.eu
Paper Sourcing and Recycling
A part of EF’s environmental policy already in place, is the recycling of all used books and paper. Most schools have done this since the 90’s, and full recycling is now being introduced as a common policy across all schools.
Since February 2007, all course books published by EF International Language Schools are printed using certified environmentally-friendly paper, materials and processes. In addition, all of EF’s course book series include topics on the environment. EF also requires its brochure printers to have manufacturing processes conforming to the environmental regulations and standards set by international forest stewardship associations. The exact combination of environmental labeling of the brochures depends on the country and the printer used.
Setting Good Examples
An example of a school that has already come far is EF Seattle. This EF school is located on the Evergreen State College campus, where sustainability is a natural part of daily life. The school is surrounded not only by forests and lakes, but also by environmental facilities such as the organic farm, the center for ecological living, and the composting facility operated by the college. The school runs a comprehensive recycling program separating Books, Paper, Cardboard, Glass, Fluorescent Tubes, Plastic, Aluminum Cans, Metals, Batteries, Paint, Chemicals, Compost, and Landfill. The cafeteria serves organic food choices. EF Seattle promotes environmental issues by integrating conservation issues into the regular language courses. Due to the school’s location in the U.S. Pacific North West, students who choose to fly are recommended to stay longer to avoid frequent air travel, or to carbon-offset their travel.
Ecolabeling of EF Schools
Once an EF school has fully implemented the new environmental policy, it will receive a special symbol with the text ”greener school”. The purpose of this mark is to guide students in their choice of an environmentally friendly EF school.
