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The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) once again set the stage for recognising India’s most environmentally responsible schools at the Green Schools Carnival, held as part of its Green School Programme (GSP). This year, a staggering 356 schools received the coveted ‘Green’ certification, with 25 of them securing Green School Awards across 11 categories, in recognition of their exemplary commitment to sustainability.
The awards ceremony was a vibrant affair, attended by over 500 schoolchildren, their teachers and principals and key education department officials from across India. The event was graced by two prominent figures in the field of sustainability and education — CSE’s Director General Sunita Narain and Ladakh’s celebrated education reformer and innovator, Sonam Wangchuk. Together, they distributed awards to schools that have demonstrated outstanding environmental stewardship through innovative practices and initiatives.
Emphasising the urgent need for a shift in education paradigms, Wangchuk stated, “We need to redefine education. The education system we follow is from the industrial revolution. Today we know that things are falling apart. So, we better change.” His powerful words reinforced the need for an educational framework that nurtures environmental consciousness from an early age.
Sunita Narain echoed similar sentiments, applauding the dedication of the awarded schools. “CSE’s Green Schools Programme shows that we can be the change we want to see in the world. It gives us hope; it gives us courage and inspiration.”
For the second consecutive year, Punjab emerged as the frontrunner in sustainable school initiatives, bagging the ‘Best State Award’ with an impressive 7,406 schools submitting audit reports. Among them, 196 schools attained the prestigious ‘Green’ rating. Additionally, Hoshiarpur was named the ‘Best District’, having recorded 1,945 school submissions — testament to the region’s proactive stance in environmental education.
The Changemaker Awards, presented to schools that improved their sustainability rating from yellow to green within a year, were secured by JP International School, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya AFS Manauri, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Additionally, the Sterling Schools Awards recognised institutions that have consistently maintained a ‘Green School’ ranking for five consecutive years. This year’s honorees included: Delhi Public School, Ludhiana, Punjab; Kendriya Vidyalaya Baikunthpur, Korea, Chhattisgarh; PM SHRI KV Army Cantt, Pangode; RMK Residential Senior Secondary School, Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Shiv Nadar School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh; Shri Ram Centennial School, Indore, Madhya Pradesh; St Thomas’ School, New Delhi; Subodh Public School Airport, Jaipur, Rajasthan; The Fabindia School, Pali, Rajasthan.
Several schools were also recognised for outstanding performance in specific categories. This list included Air Action Award to Kendriya Vidyalaya, NTPC Shaktinagar, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh; Energy Manager Award to Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Good Food Award to Delhi Public School, Pune, Maharashtra; Land Manager Award to Cambridge School, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh; Water-Wise Award to Queen’s Valley School, Dwarka, New Delhi; Waste Warrior Award to Pinegrove School Dharampur, Solan, Himachal Pradesh.
The Green Schools Programme (GSP) Audit is a crucial environmental education initiative that allows schools to assess their use of resources and implement sustainable practices. The latest data from the 2024-25 audit reflects a remarkable shift towards sustainability among Indian schools:
87 per cent of schools do not own or use vehicles, reducing carbon emissions
93 per cent of schools have banned packaged food on campus, promoting sustainable eating habits
77 per cent have adopted energy-efficient lighting
71 per cent of schools have eliminated single-use plastic
26 per cent are utilising renewable energy sources such as solar power
25 per cent have implemented rainwater harvesting systems
30 per cent practice waste segregation and composting
48 per cent of schools maintain a green cover exceeding 35 per cent of their total area
While these statistics indicate significant progress, challenges remain. A concerning 16 per cent of schools still burn waste and 8 per cent continue to use diesel vehicles, highlighting areas where further intervention and education are needed.
CSE’s Green Schools Programme has established itself as an integral force in integrating sustainability into the school curriculum. With a network of over 15,000 schools, the initiative continues to foster hands-on learning experiences that instill environmental responsibility in students.
As the event concluded, the resounding message was clear: Schools are at the forefront of the environmental movement, shaping a generation of environmentally conscious citizens. The Green Schools Awards 2025 reaffirmed that change is possible when young minds are empowered to think and act sustainably.