Green School, Bali, Indonesia

Overview of Green School, Bali

Green School Bali, founded in 2008 by John and Cynthia Hardy, is an internationally recognized institution dedicated to sustainable education and practices. The school’s mission is to cultivate a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders through a curriculum that integrates academic subjects with sustainability principles. Nestled in the lush jungles of Bali, the school stands out with its unique bamboo architecture and commitment to eco-friendly operations.

Actions and Initiatives

  1. Renewable Energy Sources:
    • Solar Panels and Micro-Hydro Power: Green School aims to achieve energy self-sufficiency through a combination of solar panels and a micro-hydro vortex generator. These renewable energy sources are designed to meet a significant portion of the school’s energy needs.
    • Bio-Bus: The school operates a Bio-Bus program, which runs on used cooking oil collected from local restaurants, reducing carbon emissions and promoting the use of alternative fuels.
  2. Permaculture Garden:
    • The extensive permaculture garden at Green School serves as a living laboratory for students. It includes vegetable gardens, fruit trees, and medicinal plants. The garden not only provides fresh produce for the school’s kitchen but also educates students on sustainable farming practices, composting, and the importance of biodiversity.
  3. Sustainability in Curriculum:
    • Hands-on Projects: Students engage in practical, project-based learning that covers various aspects of sustainability. Projects range from designing eco-friendly structures to developing water purification systems.
    • Green Studies Program: This program integrates sustainability into all subjects, ensuring that students learn about environmental issues, conservation, and sustainable living throughout their education.
  4. Waste Management:
    • Zero Waste Policy: Green School strives for zero waste by promoting recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastics. The school has implemented systems to sort and manage waste effectively, turning organic waste into compost for the garden.

Results and Impact

  1. Energy Self-Sufficiency:
    • The school’s renewable energy initiatives have led to significant reductions in its carbon footprint. With solar panels and micro-hydro power, Green School generates a substantial portion of its electricity needs, aiming to become entirely energy self-sufficient in the near future.
  2. Waste Reduction:
    • Through its zero waste policy, Green School has successfully minimized its waste output. The school reports a high rate of recycling and composting, significantly reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
  3. Educational Outcomes:
    • The integration of sustainability in the curriculum has produced students who are well-versed in environmental issues and solutions. Graduates of Green School are often seen pursuing further education and careers in environmental sciences, conservation, and sustainable business practices.

Facts and Figures

  • Energy: The school’s solar panels and micro-hydro generator produce a significant portion of its energy, with a goal to achieve 100% renewable energy reliance.
  • Waste Management: Green School has reduced its waste by approximately 75% through rigorous recycling and composting programs.
  • Student Projects: Over 200 hands-on sustainability projects have been completed by students, ranging from renewable energy systems to waste management solutions.
  • Community Impact: Green School’s initiatives have influenced local communities, with many local businesses adopting similar sustainable practices, such as the use of bio-fuel and waste management techniques.

Statistical Information

  • Solar Power: Green School’s solar panels produce approximately 50,000 kWh annually, reducing CO2 emissions by around 35 metric tons per year.
  • Bio-Bus: The Bio-Bus program saves approximately 13,000 liters of diesel fuel annually, cutting down CO2 emissions by 35 metric tons each year.
  • Waste Reduction: The school composts over 5 tons of organic waste annually and recycles 80% of its non-organic waste.
  • Water Conservation: The school’s rainwater harvesting systems collect over 1 million liters of water annually, significantly reducing reliance on external water sources.


Green School Bali serves as a model for sustainable education, demonstrating how institutions can integrate eco-friendly practices into every aspect of their operations. Through its innovative approach, the school not only educates students about sustainability but also actively contributes to environmental conservation.