“5 Days, 5 Changes”

Campaign 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.

Agora Sant Cugat 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.

Ariadna Guiu, P5 Teacher, a member of the Agora Sant Cugat  School Eco-Council, said: “Let’s reduce our carbon footprint and increase our family educational footprint by taking five simple actions. We know that all the things that we do as a family and that involve everyone are the most efficient because they end up becoming routines. If they have a positive impact, beyond economic savings, we will be teaching citizens of the world who are capable of getting involved in causes that benefit us all. The future belongs to our children and we must be co-responsible by accepting the sustainability challenge that we have left ahead of them. Let’s be an example to them by promoting a change in habits and how we behaviour at home to achieve responsible attitudes of consumption and respect for the environment.”

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

Eco-School Coordinator Teacher… Arnaldo Schapire, said, “In line with the EU’s programme to cut energy consumption, these steps also reinforce the work carried out by our Eco-School’s Committee. We raise awareness in our community about the importance of reducing energy consumption through simple actions such as keeping the projectors off when they are not in use or turning off the lights when leaving the classroom. My family and I have long decided to keep electronic devices turned off during dinner to make it our time for talking, sharing anecdotes, reflections and our thoughts and feelings… we revalue the after-dinner time and extend it as much as possible. In times when our planet asks us for a break, it is important that we reflect on how we spend our time and our energy.”

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.”