The best and most environmentally sustainable schools in the world

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Harvard University and Stanford University scored the best results in classifying the best universities in the world according to QS World University Rankings for 2024. The annual assessment is based on analysing 17.5 million scientific articles and expert opinions of over 240,000 academic lecturers and employers worldwide. Over the last six years, the representation of universities from Asia (especially China), Latin America, the Middle East and Africa has increased significantly in the ranking.

The top ten most sustainable schools and universities worldwide include Green School in Bali, Indonesia and Uaso Nyiro Primary School in Kenya. The former buildings are located in a natural setting, built from traditional and renewable materials such as bamboo, grass and mud, and powered by hydro and solar energy. Uaso Nyiro, in turn, is designed to collect and store up to 350,000 l of water in dry areas per year.

Kenya’s Terra Moyo International School also stands out for its sustainability initiatives. Located next to the forest, Karura focuses mainly on biodiversity conservation and pollution reduction. The school buildings are not built permanently, and the walking paths are not paved, ensuring minimal disturbance to the soil and living organisms. Classrooms have large, open windows to maximise the use of natural light and allow students to enjoy the biodiversity and proximity to the forest.