Sustainable Infrastructure Development
Education for a Better World
We recognise that fulfilling the ambitious UN Sustainable Development Goals and the plan of action for people, planet, and prosperity cannot be met without acknowledging the vital connection between educational development and sustainable learning environments. These aspects need to be carefully linked, and institutions need to develop the ability to transform pivotal knowledge into conscious action so that students can become catalysts for future evolution. The Hearth is, therefore, proactive in developing sustainable infrastructure models with leading designers, and in advising new and existing educational institutions in looking at sustainable infrastructural improvements.
The Hearth believes that we need to give students the educational programme, physical space, and organisational culture to encourage the development of environmentally conscious global citizens. Students spend much of their day in educational buildings during their most critical developmental years. In this time of pivotal growth, schools and universities must be spaces for creative thinking, sources of inspiration, and starting points for developing a sense of awareness and responsibility for the world. The journey to that goal begins with educating students in a healthy and sustainable environment.
Sustainable schools create an environment where teachers and faculty can cultivate a positive and progressive school culture. Teachers have more opportunities to devise unique learning opportunities, and students benefit through increased participation and productivity and improved problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Sustainable schools are the teaching tool that brings together environmental education and community engagement. These collaborative activities inspire all members of the school community, which creates a culture of continuous learning, growth, and development. As hubs of communities, schools can help to transform markets, policy, education, and behaviour, increase community resilience, mitigate climate change, and prepare citizens to think and act in new and creative ways.
The Hearth envisions a world where every person is aware of and accountable for the impact they have on creating an environmentally, economically, and equitably sustainable future.
