Sustainable School Design: The Future
In this Special Feature, Education Design International presents how architecture and sustainability merge to shape the future of education.
Climate change is driving Earth’s systems toward an irreversible shift, making sustainability a necessity everywhere. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that schools spend US$8 billion annually on energy and emit an estimated 72 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Designing schools with sustainability in mind is vital for a low-carbon, energy-efficient future.
As a consulting firm, Education Design International (EDI) is committed to designing sustainable and “innovative learning environments.” EDI offers a wide range of consultancy services such as Masterplanning, architecture and interiors, teacher training, curriculum development, and other services, to national and international governments, school districts, public and private education institutions, and edupreneurs in 59 countries across six continents. Their focus on sustainable school design lies in creating climate and culturally responsive architecture while integrating eco-friendly materials, renewable energy sources, biophilic elements and intelligent building technologies to create innovative, healthier and more resilient learning spaces.
By prioritizing environmental responsibility, well-being, and long-term efficiency, schools will not only reduce their carbon footprint but also inspire students - future leaders - to become responsible global citizens. The fusion of technology, nature, and innovation will pave the way for sustainable schools that foster creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
A Commitment to Sustainable Architecture
At EDI, the inspiration for focusing on sustainable architecture, particularly in school design, comes from a deep commitment to creating state-of-the-art learning environments. Schools are more than just buildings—they shape young minds and influence future generations. By integrating sustainable design principles, EDI ensures that schools are energy-efficient, resilient, and conducive to learning. Their mission is to design schools that not only minimize environmental impact but also maximize the health, comfort, and performance of students and educators. Space planning is at the forefront of sustainable design. It begins with intentional strategies that optimize functionality, ensuring that every space is efficient, adaptable, and in complete harmony with its surroundings. Sensitive spatial organization reduces energy consumption, enhances natural ventilation, and integrates biophilic elements to create a healthier, more efficient built environment.
EDI recognizes that building inclusive, sustainable schools involves understanding that each student has a unique learning style. Their learning environments support neurodiverse students, who often have unique sensory needs that can be supported through thoughtful space planning and sustainable design. At Kai Early Years in Bangalore India, EDI created seamlessly interconnected and sensory inclusive spaces responding to color and texture therapy, which are daylit and acoustically controlled. By integrating such neurodiversity-friendly environments with sustainability principles, schools can foster equity, well-being, and long-term resilience. By prioritizing natural lighting, superior air quality, and eco-friendly materials, EDI creates learning environments that promote focus, creativity, and comfort. TRINS Early Learning Centre in Trivandrum, India, is another great example where all spaces are naturally daylit and acoustically treated, further enhancing student well-being, elevating concentration and academic performance, and reducing energy consumption—creating an environment that nurtures both learning and sustainability.
Sustainability is not just a trend for EDI; it’s a core value that guides the design process. By incorporating renewable energy solutions, water conservation strategies and flexible, future-ready spaces, EDI helps schools lower their operational costs while setting a positive example for students about the importance of environmental stewardship. Ultimately, the goal is to build inspiring, sustainable learning environments that empower the next generation to thrive in spaces that foster innovation, collaboration, expression and limitless potential.
Innovations in Sustainable School Design
EDI is particularly excited about the advancements in sustainable materials, smart technologies, and biophilic design strategies that are transforming school architecture. As they design learning environments for the future, EDI prioritizes solutions that optimize HVAC to enhance energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and the overall experience for students and teachers.
It has been proven that ventilated terracotta tiles for facade applications save energy costs because of their thermal insulation properties. At B.D. Somani International School in Navi Mumbai, a vertical school, EDI incorporated ventilated terracotta tiles to shield the building from the harsh western sun. This not only enhances thermal comfort and energy efficiency but also adds depth, elegance and character to the overall facade. EDI is also integrating high-performance insulation that regulates indoor temperatures naturally, reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling. In terms of technology, EDI is deploying smart building systems —such as automated lighting, HVAC controls, and energy monitoring, allowing schools to optimize efficiency and create healthier spaces.
EDI leverages advanced tools and applications to enhance student well-being and learning experiences, driving sustainability and ESG compliance, and optimizing intelligent campus operations. At the British International School Riyadh, EDI has integrated smart technologies, data-driven solutions, and sustainable design principles to create a future-ready educational environment that is efficient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible. Solar and geothermal energy solutions are also becoming more accessible, enabling schools to operate with net-zero energy consumption.
Design-wise, EDI is deeply invested in biophilic principles to improve student focus and cognitive function by creating nurturing spaces where students can thrive mentally, physically and emotionally. Flexible spaces allow schools to adapt to evolving educational needs. At Inventure Academy, Yeshwantpur Campus in Bangalore, the design incorporated several biophilic design strategies in the form of green walls, outdoor learning spaces, natural materials, daylight, ventilation, stunning views and connection to the outside to create a healthier environment. Ultimately, EDI believes sustainable school design is about creating resilient, future-ready learning environments that not only minimize environmental impact but also inspire and support students each day.
Overcoming Challenges in Sustainable School Design
One of the biggest challenges EDI faces in implementing sustainable practices in school design is balancing upfront costs with long-term benefits. Many schools operate on tight budgets, making it difficult to justify the initial investment in high-performance materials, renewable energy systems, or advanced building technologies. To overcome this, EDI focuses on life-cycle cost analysis, demonstrating how sustainable solutions reduce operational expenses over time and provide a strong return on investment through lower energy, maintenance, and health care costs.
Convincing clients to invest in sustainable design, especially when upfront costs may be an impediment, comes down to demonstrating the long-term value— both financially and in terms of student well-being and superior academic performance. At Aga Khan International School in Nairobi, a net-zero carbon school, EDI used life-cycle cost analysis to demonstrate that the overall payback period was significantly low for it to become a Net-zero water campus by implementing various strategies such as onsite wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting and other eco-friendly features. The initial investment in these building elements not only proved to be financially viable but also promoted long-term sustainability.
Additionally, retrofitting existing school buildings to meet modern sustainability standards presents design and logistical challenges. EDI addresses this by minimizing demolition and re-using existing materials. In addition, passive design strategies are preferred—such as natural ventilation, daylighting, and thermal mass—that can significantly improve efficiency without requiring major structural changes.
At the American Embassy School in New Delhi, a renovation project, the new design breaks away from the existing double-loaded corridor or “cells and bells” to create a variety of spaces which are flexible to adapt to different modes of learning from “caves” for individual reflection and study to “Learning Commons” for collaboration and presentation to DaVinci Studio for innovating through experimentation and making. All of these have been accommodated without making structural modifications to the building. The design creates a sense of welcome and inspiration to students where nature has been brought into the four walls of the pod through the creative use of different materials and patterns. The interiors respond to the needs of the different spaces through highly functional customized solutions right from the material, texture, color to the design of each and every element in the pod, thereby creating a space that is sensitive to the needs of children. By addressing these challenges through innovation and collaboration, EDI continues to push the boundaries of sustainable school design, ensuring that learning environments are both environmentally responsible and conducive to student success.
EDI's goal is to shift the conversation from cost to value, making sustainability an essential, forward-thinking investment rather than an optional expense.
Sustainable Schools: A Lasting Impact on Communities
EDI believes that truly sustainable school design goes beyond environmental performance—it must also create lasting positive impacts on local communities. Their approach integrates thoughtful planning, community engagement, and environmentally responsible solutions to ensure projects benefit both people and the planet. They actively involve educators, students, parents, and local stakeholders in the design process to ensure that each school reflects the unique needs of its community. By hosting workshops and interactive sessions, EDI creates spaces that are inclusive, culturally relevant, and tailored to support student success. Changing mindsets and encouraging a shift toward sustainability within the education sector is an ongoing effort, where there is considerable progress.
At LIWA International School in the UAE, EDI conducted three-day workshops with stakeholders to drive sustainable change across their existing four campuses and establish guidelines for future developments. Schools often serve as community hubs, especially at times of crisis. At Frankel-Meitarim High School of Ra’anana in Israel, EDI designed the school to enable them to function as emergency shelters when needed. By taking a holistic, people-first approach to sustainability, EDI ensures that their projects go well beyond reducing environmental impact—they actively contribute to stronger, healthier and more connected communities.
Summary
Education Design International is at the forefront of school design and architecture, crafting adaptable, vibrant learning environments that champion sustainability and develop future-ready skills. After all, “Sustainability is no more about doing less harm. It is about doing more good."