By establishing standardized measures of environmental sustainability, a newly developed tool offers a comprehensive assessment of the international education sector’s collective impact on the planet.
By establishing standardized measures of environmental sustainability, a newly developed tool offers a comprehensive assessment of the international education sector’s collective impact on the planet.
The International Education Sustainability Group (IESG) has launched a groundbreaking initiative, the Climate Action Barometer for International Education (CABie), to address the urgent sustainability challenges facing the international education sector.
As the number of globally mobile students surpassed 6 million in 2022, the industry’s value in enriching cultures and communities has been undeniable. However, this growth has raised environmental concerns, making sustainability a pressing priority.
The co-founders of IESG, including Will Archer, Ailsa Lamont, and Emily O’Callaghan, possess a deep understanding of the dynamics within international education. Recognizing the need for climate-friendly practices, they’ve spearheaded the CABie initiative, which emerges as the sector’s first and only climate benchmark tool.
Establishing benchmarks
By establishing standardized measures for environmental sustainability, CABie offers a comprehensive assessment of the sector’s collective impact on the planet.
One of CABie’s notable features is its ability to empower educational institutions and organizations engaged in international education. Through the initiative, these entities can embark on transformative sustainability journeys, effectively reducing their carbon footprint and implementing proactive measures to safeguard the environment. This signifies a pivotal step towards a greener future, fostering responsible practices that benefit both students and the planet.
Beyond its practical benefits, CABie aims to stimulate global awareness and action. By rallying the international education community to unite against climate change, it encourages collaborative efforts to drive positive change worldwide.
Creating a positive impact
Lamont highlighted the inherent tension between the positive impact of international education and the environmental repercussions of students crossing borders. She emphasized that for progress to occur, students must travel for educational purposes, but universities must shoulder the responsibility of mitigating associated emissions.
“It is time for the international education sector to step up, to measure and to track its policies and practices, demonstrating the sector’s commitment to climate change,” Lamont said.
The co-founder also underlined the need for the international education sector to step up its efforts, advocating for the measurement and tracking of policies and practices that showcase the sector’s commitment to climate change. Her words reflect a growing consensus within the industry that proactive action is vital to counterbalance its environmental impact.
Notably, Lamont praised universities in Australia and New Zealand for their leadership in embracing the CABie initiative: “It is great to see universities from Australia and New Zealand leading the way in this initiative.”
CABie’s significance transcends national boundaries, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability across diverse institutions. The initiative provides a structured framework for evaluating progress, which can facilitate informed decision-making, resource allocation, and collaboration among stakeholders.
As educational institutions grapple with the dual goals of offering international experiences and protecting the environment, CABie offers a roadmap for harmonizing these objectives.
The launch of CABie is a pivotal moment for the international education sector. It marks a shift from merely acknowledging the environmental challenges associated with global student mobility to actively addressing these concerns.
Tangible means of assessing progress
By harnessing the power of collective action, CABie brings together educators, students, policymakers, and advocates to catalyze positive change. Its standardized metrics provide a tangible means of assessing progress, ensuring that sustainability remains a central focus within international education.
CABie emerges as a groundbreaking initiative that acknowledges the dual impact of international education on cultures and communities while addressing its carbon footprint. By introducing standardized measures for sustainability, CABie empowers institutions to embark on transformative journeys towards a greener future.
The initiative’s global collaborative approach encourages universities and organizations to embrace climate-friendly practices, fostering positive change while safeguarding the planet.
As the international education sector faces the challenge of balancing educational mobility with environmental responsibility, CABie offers a comprehensive framework to navigate these complexities and set the course for a sustainable future.
