Abu Dhabi's Green Stars: Which Schools Made the Cut?

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-10-24

Abu Dhabi's schools are stepping up their sustainability game, and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) just handed out some well-deserved recognition. In October 2026, EAD announced the schools that earned Green Stars ratings for the 2025–2026 cycle under the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI). It's a big deal for the schools, the students, and the planet. ### What's the Sustainable Schools Initiative? The SSI is EAD's way of getting schools to weave sustainability into everything they do – from how they run their buildings to what happens in the classroom and beyond. The program has five key components: - **Green School Audit:** Schools assess their environmental footprint and find ways to reduce it. - **Eco Clubs:** Student-led groups that drive green projects and awareness. - **Teacher Training:** Educators get the tools to teach sustainability effectively. - **Field Trips:** Hands-on learning experiences in nature. - **Community Engagement:** Schools reach out to families and local communities to spread the green message. Each school is evaluated on these components, and those that excel earn a Green Star rating – a badge of honor that shows they're walking the talk. ### Why This Matters You might be thinking, "Okay, so some schools got awards. Big whoop." But here's the thing: these schools are shaping the next generation of environmental stewards. In a region where temperatures can hit 120°F and water is precious, teaching kids to be mindful of resources isn't just nice – it's essential. Plus, the SSI isn't just about feel-good awards. It's about real, measurable change. Schools that participate often see reductions in energy and water use, less waste, and more engaged students. And let's be honest, when kids get excited about recycling or planting trees, they often drag their parents along for the ride. That ripple effect can transform communities. ### The Winners and What They Did While the full list of awarded schools wasn't detailed in the announcement, we know that the Green Stars rating system is rigorous. Schools don't just get a star for having a recycling bin – they have to show continuous improvement and genuine student involvement. For example, some schools have installed solar panels, others have started composting programs, and many have integrated sustainability into their curriculum across subjects. The common thread? A commitment to making sustainability a part of school culture, not just a one-off project. ### What's Next? EAD plans to continue expanding the SSI, with more schools joining each year. The goal is to create a network of sustainable schools that can share best practices and inspire others. And as the program grows, so does the impact – on students, on communities, and on the environment. So, hats off to the schools that earned their Green Stars this year. They're not just teaching kids about sustainability; they're living it. And that's something worth celebrating.