At GESS, we are committed to integrating sustainability and social responsibility into our curriculum and around the campus so that our students can learn about the challenges facing our world and how they can make a difference. On Earth Day this year, we announced our commitment to sustainability. Jason Hoppner shares what are some of the initiatives in the pipeline.
We heard about how GESS will be actively measuring our carbon footprint, creating a community-led decarbonisation roadmap towards reducing consumption, and improving our waste management system. What are some of the initiatives already in place since you onboarded GESS?
I’m very excited about the journey that GESS has embarked on towards becoming a more sustainable organization, and the initiatives that are planned for the future. Our commitment towards reducing our carbon footprint however already started when this campus was built. Our GESS campus achieved Green Mark Gold Certification by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority, which is a stringent standard that evaluates a building’s environmental impact and performance.
Last year we further demonstrated that commitment with the introduction of rooftop solar panels which has enabled GESS to harness renewable energy and reduce our electricity bill. Over the past few years, the school has also switched to energy-efficient lighting and implemented several other waste reduction initiatives.
Looking forward, I’m excited to announce that we will shortly be installing our first Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger on campus to support Singapore’s goal of achieving 100% cleaner energy vehicles by 2040. Come summer break, we’ll also be building an exciting new Eco-Garden which will serve as a hands-on learning environment for our students. The garden will help our students understand concepts of ecology, agriculture, and sustainability and, as an edible garden, we’ll be growing vegetables and herbs that will be incorporated into the meals served in our canteen.
Tell us more about GESS’ pledge to sustainability, that was recently announced on 22 April.
At GESS, we believe that sustainability is more than a concept — it’s a promise to our future. Our Sustainability Commitment, unveiled on Earth Day, is the embodiment of this promise. It’s a testament to our dedication to not only educate but also to act. By committing to tangible sustainability initiatives, we are cultivating an environment where every member of our community becomes a custodian of the planet. Our commitment isn’t just about reducing our carbon footprint or enhancing recycling efforts—it’s about weaving sustainability into the very fabric of our curriculum and community. It’s about nurturing a culture where environmental consciousness thrives in every corner of our school. So, when we talk about our commitment we’re really talking about shaping a brighter, greener, more responsible future — one decision, one lesson, one student at a time.
What do these initiatives mean for the school, students and our GESS community? What are the expected benefits?
These initiatives represent a collective step towards a future where sustainability is not an afterthought but a fundamental layer of our educational ethos. For the school, it’s about leading by example, showing that institutions can and should be at the forefront of ecological responsibility. For our students, it’s about empowerment. We’re providing them with the tools and knowledge to make sustainable choices and to understand the impact those choices have on the world. They are learning to be proactive stewards of the environment.
For the wider GESS community, this is an invitation to join a movement — a shared journey towards a sustainable legacy. The expected benefits include a reduction in our environmental impact, an increase in biodiversity on campus, and the cultivation of an ethos of care that extends beyond our school grounds. Ultimately, we are nurturing a generation of leaders who will carry these values forward, driving global change for a better world.
How can our GESS community play a part?
The GESS community is the heart of our sustainability journey. Every individual — staff, students and parents — has a vital role to play. Participation can be as simple as adopting the three R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle, in our daily lives, or it can take the form of engaging in school-led sustainability projects and initiatives.
We encourage our community to bring forth innovative ideas that could contribute to our green footprint — whether that’s through a suggestion for an eco-friendly fundraiser, or a recycling campaign. Our students are particularly pivotal; we want them to be curious, to ask questions, and to challenge us to do better. We also see great value in integrating these principles into our curriculum, so that sustainability becomes a lens through which we view all learning.
Additionally, families can take part by modelling sustainable practices at home, joining in community clean-up days, and supporting local and sustainable businesses. We want Our Sustainability Commitment to resonate not just within the walls of our school but also within the homes and the hearts of our community. It’s a collaborative endeavour—every small action contributes to a significant collective impact. Together, we can cultivate a culture of sustainability that will resonate far beyond our campus.
In your role spearheading this, what is it that excites you? What challenges do you foresee and what is your approach in tackling these anticipated challenges?
The most exciting aspect for me is the potential for real impact. It’s the idea that what we’re doing could spark a broader change, that it could instil in our students and community a lifelong commitment to the environment. I’m especially excited by the prospect of seeing our collective efforts bloom into tangible results — be it in energy conservation, waste reduction, or fostering biodiversity on our campus.
However, with every ambitious endeavour come challenges. I anticipate the need for a shift in mindset, which is often the biggest hurdle. Change can be met with resistance, and sustainability requires everyone to think and act differently. To overcome this, my approach is rooted in education and engagement. It’s crucial to communicate the ‘why’ behind our actions, to ensure that everyone understands the importance and the benefits of these changes. Building a shared vision is key.
Additionally, we will work on providing the necessary resources and support to facilitate this transition. By leading with transparency, fostering a culture of innovation, and encouraging a sense of ownership, I believe we can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and learning. Together, we can create an environment where sustainable practices are not just encouraged but become second nature.
