AtkinsRealis Group Inc. Expands UAE's School of the Future Initiative for Sustainable Education
- AtkinsRealis Group Inc. expands its School of the Future initiative in UAE, enhancing sustainability and education.
- The initiative engages students in sustainable campus design, fostering critical thinking and innovation for future leaders.
- AtkinsRealis emphasizes the link between education and industry, supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals through this program.
AtkinsRealis Expands School of the Future Initiative in UAE
AtkinsRealis Group Inc., a leading design, engineering, and nuclear services firm, amplifies its commitment to sustainability and education through the continued expansion of its School of the Future initiative across schools in the UAE. Now in its second year, the program culminates in 2025 finals, recently held at Dubai English Speaking College. This year’s event features student teams from four distinguished institutions: Repton School, Jumeirah College, JESS Dubai, and DESS, all engaged in a practical examination of sustainable campus design. By focusing on experiential learning, the initiative aims to equip students aged 14 to 16 with critical thinking skills pertaining to environmental, social, and technological sustainability.
The School of the Future initiative, which originated in the UK, serves as a platform for students to innovate solutions for sustainable school campuses. Under the guidance of AtkinsRealis STEM Ambassadors, participants create data-driven designs that emphasize renewable energy use and smart infrastructure while also considering the broader social implications of their projects. Campbell Gray, CEO of AtkinsRealis in the Middle East, reflects on the initiative's success in fostering students' interest in sustainability, emphasizing the critical link between industry and education. This partnership is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders who are well-versed in sustainable practices and technologies.
The culmination of this year's initiative showcases student presentations that are assessed based on their innovative approaches and practical applications of sustainability principles. Laura Reidy from DESS notes the program's success in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, inspiring students to envision and design future educational environments. Additionally, with the initiative experiencing heightened interest from both students and educators, AtkinsRealis plans to further its expansion within the region. This aligns seamlessly with the company's ongoing sustainability strategy and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on education and fostering sustainable communities.
AtkinsRealis' commitment to the School of the Future initiative exemplifies its dedication to developing innovative educational frameworks that prioritize sustainability. The program not only enhances student engagement but also integrates essential industry knowledge, creating a fertile environment for future advancements in sustainable design and engineering. As the initiative grows, it continues to play a pivotal role in shaping young minds while addressing pressing global challenges.