Palakkad school launches year-long environmental literacy programme

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Students of St. Dominic’s Convent English Medium School, Sreekrishnapuram, launching a year-long environmental literacy programme on World Environment Day on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

St. Dominic’s Convent English Medium School at Sreekrishnapuram in the district marked World Environment Day on Friday by launching an environmental conservation initiative aimed at achieving 100% environmental literacy through a year-long programme.

School authorities said the initiative forms part of the United Nations-backed Race to Zero campaign on climate change mitigation.

As part of the programme, students will identify sources of emissions in their homes, including electricity consumption, LPG use, waste generation, food habits and recycling practices. Using a carbon calculator, they will estimate their household carbon footprint. The data will be displayed on a dashboard through an app called Green Metrica.

The school’s eco-club Eco Gens will train students in carbon footprint assessment and emission reduction measures.

Students have also developed a river-cleaning robot as part of their robotics curriculum. “It is a testament to the younger generation’s commitment to environmental protection,” said Fr. Saji Joseph, Director of Equator Geo.

The school also launched Eco Bot, a plastic bottle vending machine designed by students. The machine rewards users for depositing empty plastic bottles. “It is another milestone in the school’s journey towards its Net Zero goal,” said Fr. Saji.

Inaugurating the programme, Caritas Asia climate change expert Haridas V.R. said it was the first time in the country that a school had conceived and implemented such a comprehensive environmental education programme.

Sreekrishnapuram grama panchayat president P. Aravindakshan presided over the function. School principal Sr. Pauline O.P., Fr. Saji Joseph, ward member Dwaraka Nathan and Federal Bank manager Ramesh N.P. also spoke.