Global recognition for environmental action: OSC leads way in sustainability

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) programs 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 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 the 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 said: “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 bio-gas plant.” 

In addition to the aforesaid, OSC’s students have taken on leadership roles at international forums, including leading sessions at the UN at Your Doorstep Global Conference, where they advocated for climate action and sustainability. In 2024, they were named International Winners of the YRE Competition, with their work showcased globally as a model for environmental journalism and youth engagement.

These achievements place OSC among an elite group within the Eco-Schools network, which spans over 59,000 schools worldwide, with only 17,000 having achieved Green Flag status. 

Learning Leader/Service Coordinator Dr. David Poulus, proudly 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.”

Through its sustained efforts, OSC has emerged as a national and global leader in sustainable education. Dr. Sharma’s visit celebrated these achievements while encouraging the school to further expand its environmental stewardship, reaffirming OSC’s role as a transformative force in embedding sustainability into its culture and community.