Sustainability Policy

Introduction

BTU School of Foreign Languages (SFL) recognizes the importance of environmental responsibility and is committed to reducing our ecological footprint while fostering a culture of sustainability throughout the institution. This policy outlines the initiatives we have implemented to promote sustainable practices in both academic and operational activities. By integrating sustainability into our curriculum, operations, and community activities, BTU SFL strives to create an environmentally conscious environment that prepares students for the global challenges of today and the future.

Sustainable Evaluation Practices

At BTU SFL, the Testing Unit incorporates sustainability-based topics into productive evaluation methods, such as debates, presentations, and essays. These assessment forms encourage learners to engage with ecological issues actively, explore the impact of human activities on the environment, and reflect critically on sustainable solutions. By integrating environmental issues into assessment tasks, we aim to:

● Develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to environmental challenges.

● Encourage students to take personal responsibility for sustainability through informed arguments and discussions.

● Provide a platform for students to explore real-world environmental topics such as climate change, resource conservation, and sustainable development.

Extracurricular Activities and Sustainability

Our Model United Nations (MUN) events serve as a significant extracurricular activity, focusing on sustainability topics as a core theme. Through participation in MUN, students engage in diplomatic simulations that revolve around global environmental challenges and sustainable solutions. These events help students:

● Understand the complexity of global sustainability issues and their interconnectedness.

● Develop leadership, negotiation, and public speaking skills while addressing topics such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable urbanization.

● Advocate for global policy change by presenting solutions to environmental problems in a collaborative, multi-stakeholder setting.

Digital Assignment Materials

To reduce paper waste and promote digital literacy, the Testing Unit has committed to providing assignment materials online as much as possible. This initiative is designed to:

● Significantly reduce the environmental impact associated with printing and paper consumption.

● Improve accessibility by allowing students to access assignments from anywhere at any time through our online platforms.

● Encourage students to engage with digital tools and resources, preparing them for the increasing demand for technology-based skills in the workplace. This practice aligns with our broader sustainability goals by minimizing paper waste and promoting eco-friendly learning methods.

Hybrid Learning Model

BTU SFL adopts a hybrid learning model that combines in-person and online learning. This model is integral to our commitment to sustainability as it:

● Reduces the need for physical materials such as printed worksheets, handouts, and papers by providing online resources through LEARN, our Learning Management System (LMS).

● Facilitates more personalized learning opportunities while contributing to a sustainable and technologically advanced educational environment. We aim to reduce our ecological footprint by providing lessons and materials online while ensuring students have access to the best learning resources.

Zero-Waste Policy

Along with our sustainability commitment, BTU SFL has implemented a zero-waste policy on campus. Recycling bins are available throughout the school to encourage proper disposal of recyclable materials. This initiative is designed to:

● Minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills by providing students and staff with convenient options for recycling paper, plastic, glass, and metal.

● Promote awareness about the environmental impacts of waste and the importance of reusing and recycling materials.

● Support a circular economy by ensuring that resources are reused and repurposed rather than disposed of. The zero-waste policy is essential to BTU SFL's efforts to reduce waste, conserve resources, and maintain a clean and sustainable campus.

Energy Conservation

BTU SFL is committed to energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of energy consumption. Instructors and school staff are encouraged to turn off electronic devices, such as computers, projectors, and lights, when not in use. This initiative helps:

● Lower energy consumption and reduce our carbon footprint.

● Encourage a culture of mindfulness about the impact of daily actions on the environment.

● Foster responsibility among staff and students to engage in energy-saving practices that benefit the planet. We also aim to evaluate and implement more energy-efficient technologies and practices across the school’s facilities to continue reducing our overall energy consumption.

Integration of SDGs in Curriculum

The curriculum across all CEFR levels at BTU SFL integrates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into lesson plans, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the key issues affecting our world. The integration of SDGs ensures that:

● Students gain a broad understanding of global sustainability challenges such as climate action, responsible consumption and production, quality education, and life on land.

● Environmental literacy is embedded into various subject areas, encouraging students to adopt sustainable practices in their personal and professional lives.

● The curriculum promotes active citizenship and social responsibility, encouraging students to engage with the world’s most pressing environmental issues through learning.

Online Professional Development (PD) Meetings

All Professional Development (PD) meetings are held online to align with our sustainability goals. This initiative:

● Reduces the need for travel, thereby minimizing the carbon footprint associated with commuting and transportation.

● Ensures greater accessibility for staff members who can join meetings remotely, promoting work-life balance and flexible learning.

● Encourages the use of digital platforms and tools, enhancing staff familiarity with technologies that align with sustainable practices. By moving PD meetings to an online format, BTU SFL is committed to reducing its environmental impact while fostering continuous professional growth.

Continuous Evaluation and Improvement

BTU SFL will regularly review and assess the effectiveness of this sustainability policy. We will gather feedback from students, staff, and stakeholders to ensure that:

● Our sustainability initiatives are achieving their intended goals.

● New opportunities for sustainability improvements are identified and implemented.

● We continue to enhance our environmental stewardship through innovation, education, and collaboration.

The school will set measurable sustainability goals and track progress toward achieving them, ensuring transparency and accountability in all aspects of our environmental practices.