Faced with the effects of climate change, urban heat islands, and biodiversity loss, VBS Sint-Paulus launched the “Climate Playground” project in 2016. This initiative not only addresses the urban heat island effect but also enhances biodiversity, improves air quality, and increases CO2 storage through intelligent design and community involvement. The playground features over 40 trees and 150 bushes, a rainwater collection system that significantly reduces water bills, and bird boxes that have increased local bird diversity. These efforts have transformed a former concrete space into a thriving green environment.

Student engagement is a key aspect of the Climate Playground. The project has enhanced education by integrating STEAM projects, promoting social-emotional learning, and fostering curiosity through hands-on experiences. Collaborations with universities and international schools have enriched the curriculum and provided students with real-world environmental challenges and solutions. The school is also the root of the new organisation BLES, which in two years has already helped more than 45 schools in Flanders to transform their concrete playgrounds into climate-adaptive school grounds. 

The inspirational Belgian school has been named in the Top 10 shortlists for the World’s Best School Prizes 2024.  You can help the school to win the prize by casting your vote in their support on the competition website before 28 June.