Sustainability

Munich International School has a long standing tradition of environmentally and climate-related projects. Students and staff, who are part of the Eco-Committee, meet regularly in order to evaluate and discuss ideas for improvement.

Sustainability plays an essential part in the School's strategy. By receiving the Eco Award ("Umweltschule in Europa") numerous times, MIS enforces its statement to keep improving its ways of handling our given resources by:

• Recycling
• Saving energy by using LED lights
• Using green energy
• Selling only regional and 100% bio products
• IT-recycling
• Green purchasing
• Studying and maintaining the school's biodiverse campus and school garden

Furthermore, there have been several projects initiated by students and teachers of which a few are listed further below. 

Reducing Energy Consumption

In early 2019, MIS signed a contract with a local energy contractor in order to convert to using renewable energy. By taking this step, the school reduces its emissions by almost half and significantly reduces the amount of energy use such as electric power, heating, ventilation etc.

Steps involved included for example the installation of new solar panels on the LADC roof, the building of a central energy infrastructure (electric power/heating) on campus, installation and connection of heating systems of Junior School, Gym and Schloss, installation of solar panels on the new quadruple Gym and the improvement of our heat distribution technique.

Measuring and Reducing Carbon Footprint

The measurement of the school's carbon footprint and implementation of measures to become climate neutral school is an ongoing project. In 2018, students initiated this project and MIS carbon footprint was measured by Fokus Zukunft. Students decided together with teachers in Eco Committee on measures to implement to reduce the carbon footprint (switch to LED lights & 100% renewable energy sources providers, two block-type thermal power systems). After implementation of these measures, MIS CO2 footprint was re-measured in 2021. MIS has achieved a reduction of its carbon footprint by a third and has moved closer to its goal of becoming climate neutral school by 2030.

Further student-driven measures will be discussed in Eco Committees 2022/2023. In addition, MIS is planning to build further photovoltaic systems in October 2022 reaching a capacity of 360 kWp. According to energy consumption forecasts, MIS will move to 100% self-sufficiency in energy consumption in 2024. 

Of particular note in connection to renewable energies is the students’ project ‘Solar for schools’ in 2022 (please see more information further below under "Student Projects"). More than 72 Grade 3 students & teachers gained a better understanding of energy literacy including awareness of energy use. Students viewed MIS solar panels and reviewed data about electricity use at school. A large number of further students-driven eco projects are ongoing (Ant farm, Frog Squad, Electric car charging stations, Planting different species of trees, 2^nd bike park, Eco and bee oasis).