Sustainable Living and Learning Abroad

Whilst education abroad has long been a part of higher education’s offerings, it is extremely crucial to recognise the environmental and social impacts that education abroad can have on host communities. Thankfully many institutions have policies and practices in place. AES Experiential Learning and Living has started its journey to actively measure carbon footprint (scopes 1, 2 and parts of scope 3). There have also been investments in ways to mitigate social and environmental risks.

Many of you are aware of climate issues and environmental sustainability and may be even concerned about your contribution to the existing climate issues, whilst studying abroad. Unfortunately, you are not able to zero the environmental and social impacts through the current means. The good news is that you can limit the negative impacts by making informed decisions that can benefit you, the host community, and the environment.

Well done! You have chosen a city with Green credentials.

Did you know that London is in the top 10 of the World’s most sustainable cities? London is a city that runs on creative energy, constant innovation, and serious domain expertise. Now, London is using these fundamental strengths to help tackle the global climate crisis, build the green economy of the future, and bring smart solutions to a city that is almost 2,000 years old.

As part of London’s pledge to meet global climate commitments, the Mayor of London has announced his Green News Deal which includes ambitious targets for the city to become net zero carbon, zero pollution by 2030, and zero waste by 2050. It sets out a strategy to tackle climate and ecological emergencies and improve air quality whilst doubling the size of London’s green economy by 2030 and accelerating job creation for all.

Here are our top tips for making your international education experience more sustainable.

Pack your Suitcase Green

Pack sustainably and choose the right plastic-free items to find environmental toiletries. Feel free to read through the brochures below this article for more ideas.

Choose how you get around

Make the most of London by cycling and walking around it can be more fun. Check out Eco-friendly ways to get around London .

Don’t buy new

We love going to the charity shops. It’s good for the environment, you can support your favourite charity, and it’s good for your pocket too, win-win find out more on best charity shops in London.

Travelling while studying abroad

Air travel is one of the biggest carbon footprints a person can have. You can reduce your biggest impact on environment by changing your travel habit. Generally, trains and coaches are lower carbon means of travel than flying and cars. Find out how you can choose greenest means for travelling around

Explore Locally

Don’t forget to explore your city and immerse yourself in the local culture is an excellent way to make the most of your study abroad experience. https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/sustainability

Go for Seasonal and Local Food

This reduces the environmental impact of your food through reduced air miles and energy consumption additionally, you also support the local community. Remember to bring a reusable bag when shopping and try some local specialties! 16 Best Sustainable Restaurants in London | Eat Eco | Foodism

Take your AES water bottle and drink tap water

Carry your water bottle with you everywhere and refill it at the nearest water station wherever you are in London. There are currently more than 5000 refill stations where people can refill across the capital. In London, it’s not necessary to filter tap water. You can find filtered water dispenser in our study centre.

Sharing

Share appliances, do your laundry together, cleaning products and other items to avoid waste and buying in excess.

Integrate Sustainability into your curriculum

Did you know that AES is offering free sustainability workshops? We constantly share upcoming events and workshops with you via our communication channels. To find out more please contact our ESG Manager on Soroush@angloeducational.com.

Volunteer in Projects and AES Charity Events

Follow our social calendar, there is always an event to attend. It’s fun and for a great cause.

3Rs and Don’t forget to Donate

Make sure you reuse, reduce, and recycle wherever you are and clean up after yourself. At the end of your stay please consider donating the unused items and clothing to your local charity.

Make Your Stay Greener

Whether you are staying at our student housing or not, save energy and be considerate with your energy use this will have an enormous impact on reducing your carbon footprint. Take a look at our brochures for more ideas on how to make your stay greener.

Being sustainable is easy, and the benefits far outweigh the work done. So, let’s do our part to reduce our environmental as well as social impact and make the world a better place. Steve Lowy, our CEO “It’s all about marginal gain.”