Sustainability in Education: UK vs Kazakhstan

Sustainable development is no longer just a trend—it is a key part of economic policy. Schools and universities are not just places of learning; they consume significant energy, generate carbon emissions, and require modernization. That’s why many countries are implementing environmental standards for educational institutions at the legislative level.

The UK is a leader in this area, with strict regulations and strong financial support from the government. Kazakhstan, on the other hand, is still at the early stages of this transition. By comparing the experiences of these two countries, we can identify which legal mechanisms are effective and what lessons Kazakhstan can learn from the UK’s approach.

The UK: Strict Laws and Government Support

Key Laws and Standards

In the UK sustainable development in educational institutions is regulated by the Climate Change Act 2008. This law requires all schools and universities to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and report their environmental performance annually.

A key tool in this process is the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) system, which assesses the environmental performance of buildings. Schools and universities that meet BREEAM standards gain higher ratings and access to additional funding.

Government Funding Programs

To support sustainability efforts the UK has developed several financial programs. Salix Finance offers grants and low-interest loans to universities and schools for energy efficiency projects. Another significant initiative is Building Schools for the Future (BSF), aimed at constructing new environmentally friendly schools.

Thanks to these programs, many UK schools and universities are switching to renewable energy, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing their impact on the environment.

Kazakhstan: Early Steps Toward Sustainability

Legal Initiatives

Kazakhstan is at the initial stage of integrating sustainability into education. The first major step was taken in 2013 with the adoption of the “Concept for Transition to a Green Economy”, which set the foundation for implementing environmental standards in various sectors, including education.

Currently, two key laws regulate sustainable development in education:

• Kazakhstan’s Environmental Code, which includes provisions on environmental education and sustainability policies.
• The Law on Education, which encourages the modernization of school and university infrastructure with a focus on energy efficiency.

Lack of Clear Standards and Limited Funding

Despite having a strategic framework, Kazakhstan has not yet developed mandatory environmental standards for educational institutions, similar to the UK’s BREEAM system. As a result, new schools and universities are built with varying levels of sustainability, and modernization of existing buildings happens at a slow pace.

Another major challenge is funding. Unlike the UK, where the government provides special grants and loans, Kazakhstan lacks similar large-scale support programs. Educational institutions rely mainly on international aid from organizations like the UNDP and UNESCO to implement sustainable projects.

Comparison of Kazakhstan and the UK’s Approaches

The UK and Kazakhstan take very different approaches to regulating sustainability in education.

First, the UK has a much stricter legal framework. The country has a Climate Change Act that sets clear carbon reduction targets for all sectors, including education. Kazakhstan, in contrast, has general sustainability strategies but no legally binding emissions reduction requirements for schools and universities.

Second, the UK provides significant government funding for modernization. Programs like Salix Finance and BSF offer schools and universities access to financial resources for sustainability projects. In Kazakhstan, no similar funding mechanisms exist, meaning that institutions must rely on external grants and private investment.

Third, the UK enforces strict environmental standards for educational buildings. Institutions must comply with BREEAM requirements, ensuring that new buildings are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. In Kazakhstan, there are currently no mandatory requirements for sustainable construction in education.

Fourth, UK universities and schools are required to track and report their carbon footprint. This accountability mechanism drives continuous improvement in sustainability practices. Kazakhstan, on the other hand, has no such reporting obligations, making it difficult to assess progress.

As a result, the UK has developed an effective system for regulating sustainability in education, while Kazakhstan is still in the early stages of this process.

What Can Kazakhstan Learn from the UK?

To accelerate the transition to sustainable educational infrastructure, Kazakhstan should consider adopting several key elements of the UK’s approach:

1. Develop Clear Environmental Standards.
   Kazakhstan should create a unified system of environmental criteria for educational institutions, similar to BREEAM. This would ensure that new and renovated buildings meet sustainability goals.
2. Establish Government Funding Programs.
   Without financial support, schools and universities will struggle to invest in green technologies. Kazakhstan should introduce state-backed loans and grants, similar to Salix Finance, to encourage sustainability initiatives.
3. Require Carbon Footprint Reporting.
   The UK’s experience shows that mandatory environmental reporting encourages institutions to improve their sustainability performance. Kazakhstan should introduce this practice to track progress and drive action.
4. Expand Sustainability Education Programs.
   In the UK, sustainability is embedded in the education system, with students actively participating in environmental projects. Kazakhstan should integrate similar initiatives to raise awareness and build a culture of sustainability.

Kazakhstan and the UK take very different approaches to regulating sustainability in education. The UK enforces strict laws, has well-developed financial support systems, and requires institutions to meet environmental standards. Kazakhstan is still at an early stage, relying mainly on international aid and voluntary initiatives.

To accelerate progress, Kazakhstan needs to:

• Introduce mandatory sustainability standards for educational institutions.
• Develop state funding programs for energy-efficient infrastructure.
• Implement carbon footprint reporting in schools and universities.
• Promote sustainability education among students and educators.

By adopting these measures Kazakhstan can build a more sustainable, energy-efficient, and future-proof education system.