The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made the Green School Rating System (GSRS) mandatory for all affiliated schools, with a compliance deadline of September 30, 2025. This move is part of a larger push toward sustainability in education, aligning with India’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
But with the clock ticking, the question remains: Are schools ready for this transition?
What Is the CBSE Green School Rating System?
The Green School Rating System is designed to measure a school’s environmental performance across six key categories:
Energy efficiency (renewable energy usage, energy audits, and conservation practices)
Water management (rainwater harvesting, recycling, and water audits)
Waste management (segregation, recycling, and composting systems)
Air quality (monitoring and control of indoor and outdoor pollution)
Biodiversity & green cover (tree plantation, kitchen gardens, eco-friendly landscaping)
Sustainable curriculum integration (embedding environmental education into subjects and activities)
Schools will be assessed through self-reporting, audits, and external verification before receiving their official Green Rating Certificate.
Why Has CBSE Made It Mandatory?
The decision follows growing concerns about climate change and environmental degradation, especially in urban and semi-urban India. Schools are not only places of learning but also community influencers — embedding sustainability at this level ensures the next generation develops strong eco-conscious values.
CBSE aims to:
Promote environmentally responsible behavior among students and staff.
Reduce schools’ carbon footprint.
Make campuses healthier and safer for learning.
Encourage innovation in green technologies and eco-friendly practices.
Challenges Schools Face Before the September 30 Deadline
While the move has been praised, many schools are scrambling to meet the new standards:
Infrastructure gaps: Older school buildings may require major retrofitting.
Budget constraints: Installing solar panels, rainwater harvesting, or composting units needs upfront investment.
Awareness and training: Teachers and staff need orientation on sustainability protocols.
Data collection: Accurate self-audits and reporting require proper tracking systems.
How Schools Can Prepare Quickly
Here are actionable steps to meet the deadline:
Form a Green School Committee to lead and monitor the process.
Conduct a baseline environmental audit to assess current practices.
Prioritize low-cost, high-impact changes such as waste segregation, paperless notices, and LED lighting.
Partner with local NGOs or sustainability firms for technical guidance.
Integrate green practices into daily operations — from morning assemblies to sports activities.
Engage students through eco-clubs, tree plantation drives, and recycling campaigns.
The Long-Term Benefits
Schools that achieve higher ratings will:
Gain recognition and credibility in the education sector.
Save costs in the long run through energy and water efficiency.
Offer healthier learning environments for students.
Become role models for sustainability in their communities.
Conclusion
The mandatory CBSE Green School Rating isn’t just another compliance checklist — it’s a transformative step toward making India’s education system a driver of environmental change. The September 30 deadline is a challenge, but with smart planning, schools can turn it into an opportunity to inspire the next generation of eco-leaders.
Published on : 12th August
Published by : SMITA
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