OSC leads way in sustainability

• Receives global recognition for environmental action 

The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) reaffirmed its position as a global leader in sustainable education, earning recognition from UNESCO’s Greening Education Partnership and also by renewing its Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

In June 2025, OSC was featured by UNESCO’s Greening Education Partnership as one of only two schools globally recognised as an exemplar Green School, signifying that OSC meets UNESCO’s rigorous Green School Quality Standards, with a whole-school approach to sustainability. 

OSC is also featured in the Early Years Eco-Schools Global Handbook (p.35), which spotlights leading models of environmental education worldwide. 

Another highlight was the visit of FEE Senior Director of Education Dr. Pramod Kumar Sharma for a two-day accreditation evaluation that underscored the school’s leadership in environmental education and sustainable practices. 

Dr. Sharma oversees the global Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) programmes across 101 countries, making his visit a significant milestone for OSC and its community. 

During the visit, students showcased their gardening and permaculture initiatives, proudly harvesting bananas, brinjal and a range of herbs and spices grown on campus. The produce was then prepared for a communal lunch with the members of the Eco-Schools Committee, Dr. Sharma and Palinda Perera of Earth Lanka.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the Grade 3 students’ excitement and genuine engagement during our permaculture gardening sessions,” said young Eco-Club Service Leader Sam Bridgwater. 

“As an Environmental Systems and Societies student, it’s rewarding to put what we learn in class into real action.”

In the afternoon, students guided the visitors through OSC’s key environmental initiatives, including its bio-gas plant, composting systems and various service-learning projects. These tours highlighted how sustainability is woven into the fabric of everyday school life, going beyond the classroom to create authentic, hands-on learning experiences.

Environmental Systems and Societies Educator Ian Lockwood reflected, “The school demonstrated genuine, hands-on engagement with every aspect of its environmental initiatives – from working on the garden beds to harvesting and sharing the produce, to thoughtful conversations around waste management and showcasing the biogas plant.” 

Learning Leader/Service Coordinator Dr. David Poulus said, “It’s inspiring to see sustainability embedded across the school – from kindergarten through to DP2 in meaningful sustainability practices. Everyone contributes to a connected system: collecting food waste, creating bio-fertiliser, nurturing gardens and enjoying the harvest.”