Overview

UWC Costa Rica

Sustainability for UWC Costa Rica is understood as a mindset and ethical guideline for balance and well-being; embracing the concept of reciprocity means understanding ourselves as part of an interconnected and diverse community of life, where each of our actions has an effect on something else.  It is the way we care for ourselves, each other, and our spaces and environment

Our New Sustainability Framework & Campus

To help lead our way forward and towards a new campus, a Sustainability Framework with guidelines for activating a culture of sustainability in UWC Costa Rica was created. The Framework comprises guiding “sustainability principles” and “action lines,” which encompass critical elements and actions needed to transition towards a school exemplary in its sustainability and inherent values and which cut across all areas of the school.

Our Sustainability Principles

Icon for UWC Costa Rica's Sustainability Principle "Care"Care

How we care for ourselves, each other, our spaces, and our environment.

Icon for UWC Costa Rica's Sustainability Principle "Nature"Nature

Nature first! We don’t exist outside of it or without it. Understanding ourselves as part of a community of life.

Icon for UWC Costa Rica's Sustainability Principle "Education"Education

How we develop transformative ways of thinking for the future. How we construct and share knowledge.

Icon for UWC Costa Rica's Sustainability Principle "Community & Diversity"Community and Diversity

How we create safe spaces for listening and working with diverse communities.

Icon for UWC Costa Rica's Sustainability Principle "Social Justice & Governance"Social Justice and Governance

How we create social structures based on active listening, inclusivity, and empowerment.

Icon for UWC Costa Rica's Sustainability Principle "Reciprocity & Continuity"Reciprocity and Continuity

How we weave relationships of mutual benefit with each other and the environment, and how they are sustained in time.

Icon for UWC Costa Rica's Sustainability Principle "Impact & Economy"Impact and Economy

Focusing on positive actions towards each other, for our surroundings, and the environment. How we preserve, care for, and regenerate ecosystems: responsibility, reduction, and action.

Icon for UWC Costa Rica's Sustainability Principle "Responsible Use & Resources"Responsible Use & Resources

Think about the impact of our “stuff” and how we consume and waste. Let’s be more and use less!

Sustainability Framework’s Action Lines

Graph explaining the Strategic Lines. Text reads: 1. Nature-Based Education. Actions related with our Educational – pedagogical focus, curriculum, programs, projects, learning in nature, and new pedagogies for the future. 2. Strategy & Governance. Actions regarding strategic vision, organizational structures and teams needed to implement and give continuity. 3. We Are How We Consume. Actions related to building awareness and improving our habits of consumption and waste. 4. Architecture, Infrastructure & Landscape. Actions relevant to physical space, and design of our structures, buildings and spaces for learning and living. 5. Alliances & Community Engagement. Actions referring to partnerships and working with communities in relationships of reciprocity

Sustainability score Card

5.89t

Average carbon footprint per person

2021-2022

Climate strategy

Reduction targets set

Progress monitoring

Carbon offsetting

Dedicated paid staff time

Sustainibility curriculum

Dedicated focal days

Working groups