A student-led committee is leading the charge in SMK Aminuddin Baki’s sustainability journey.
Through the Eco-Schools programme, a total of 83 students have been implementing a range of eco-friendly initiatives aimed at enhancing the school’s environmental impact.
The programme is a global environmental school initiative that engages students through action-based learning. It is implemented in over 90 countries, with its Malaysian chapter currently managed by the Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF).
Participating schools are taken through a seven-step process that starts with forming an eco committee. The committee then conducts an environmental survey, develops an action plan, monitors the efficacy of the plan, networks with other students, establishes a code that reflects the school’s environmental values and incorporates sustainability education into the school’s curriculum.
Schools that successfully complete the programme and pass an external assessment by the country’s administrator are awarded the Green Flag, which is renewable every two years. At SMK Aminuddin Baki, the flag is proudly flown at the assembly ground.
The school deploys a total of eight projects, including hydroponic farming, upcycling, waste audit, a “no plastic” campaign and a hydropower system prototype.
The projects are data-driven and research-based, addressing the school’s most pressing issues, such as high plastic consumption. For example, the “no plastic” campaign, which encourages the students to reduce the use of plastics on Tuesdays, was created in response to the waste audit results.
“The waste audit was carried out to identify the type and quantity of waste generated in the school area. After the audit, we found that plastic is the most generated waste in our school,” said SMK Aminuddin Baki Eco-Schools chairman Chan Hui Xin.
For the hydroponic farm project, the students grow fresh vegetables in nutrient-rich water on school grounds and sell them to teachers and students.
“The key objectives of the farm are to raise awareness about sustainable agriculture and food safety, and to reduce carbon footprint by growing locally,” said Chan, 17. “It saves space, reduces water use and is free from harmful pesticides, making it ideal for urban food production.”
Beyond monetary gain, the farm has become a site where the committee spreads its green ideas to all students.
First introduced in 2011, the Eco-Schools programme has awarded 52 Green Flags to schools in Malaysia.
GGAF’s mission is combating the lack of environmental literacy through environmental education and project-based learning. The Malaysia-based not-for-profit organisation, which was established in 2018, is committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing and emerging economies.
“We design and implement impactful environmental and climate education initiatives, particularly for schools, empowering youth to become sustainability champions,” said GGAF chief programme officer Sri Themudu Bully Baboo.
“We know Malaysians are aware of environmental issues, but there is always a gap between knowledge and action. Education is the missing link.
“When knowledge and action come together, you can create a bigger impact on the environment,” he said.
The SMK Aminuddin Baki students said they have gained an appreciation for environmental skills and the need for initiatives like Eco-Schools.
Lee Tzer Hom, 17, said other students can build upon the projects introduced at school.
“They can come up with more solutions and innovations that will not only help reduce pollution, but also improve the image of our country,” he said.
Commenting on the students’ hard work, teacher advisor Thong Kum Soon said: “We are able to receive a prestigious commendation from an internationally rated programme and foster a strong knowledge base on environmental issues.”
The students also learned about the administrative challenges of environmental projects, such as funding procurement.
Under a special arrangement, 10 schools in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor were allocated RM2,000 each by Public Bank for the projects, and the student committee had to ensure that the expenses remained within budget.
However, as the team learned along the way, not all planned projects were financially viable.
“At first, we planned to develop a rainwater harvesting system at the school’s Block A toilets, but we found that the cost was too high. So, we weren’t able to implement it,” said SMK Aminuddin Baki Eco-Schools vice-chairman Shazrina Shereen Mohd Sazri, 17.
Having been exposed to sustainability practices through the Eco-Schools programme, some of the students are inspired to pursue a career in the field.
Shazrina Shereen said she hoped to build an eco-conscious business.
“I might pursue business, but with eco-friendly elements. My dad runs a company that sells aerogel for insulation, and Eco-Schools has helped me become aware of my surroundings—I want to try to connect the two.”
