Oryx International School has achieved a world-first by being awarded the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) Stage 2 Compliance Certificate, a significant milestone and achievement for the school’s commitment to sustainability and its environmental footprint.

The IEnvA certification is the global industry standard assessment recognising the highest degrees of Environmental Management Planning. The aviation industry's impact on the environment is at the top of sustainability agendas. Oryx International School is a wholly owned subsidiary of Qatar Airways and therefore contributed significantly to the airline’s overall award, showcasing the school’s dedication and alignment to the airlines global sustainability vision. The global airline group is the only organisation in the world to have acquired this status.

The IEnvA is a certification programme, and was developed to independently assess the commitment of aviation stakeholders to continuously improve their environmental and sustainable performance. Based on globally recognised standards and industry best practices, including the ISO 14001 environmental management system standard and the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), it is a voluntary solution for environmental management.

The school’s involvement in the evidence and implementation of the strategy was initiated in 2019 by Executive Principal Mr Derek Laidlaw and former Head of Operations Mr Jeff Gutteridge. Unfortunately, the work that was undertaken needed to be paused during the COVID pandemic, but it was reinitiated again in 2023, where it gained momentum once more.

Mr Laidlaw commented, “Oryx International School were one of two subsidiary companies chosen by IATA to provide supporting evidence for this accreditation. While at first that did seem like a daunting request, I am extremely proud of the contribution that the school has directly made to supporting Qatar Airways’ commitment towards making sustainable compliance a reality. The school’s projects formed core parts of the Qatar Airways presentation and evidence of the overall certification, and I am delighted that this has successfully resulted in our efforts now being globally recognised.”

Oryx International School is proud to champion sustainable initiatives on a daily basis, recognising the importance that small and large acts have to play in the protection of our environment and local community. The school has a very active group of Eco Warriors, led by Mrs Dobinson, who meet weekly to review and assess how daily happenings can be initiated, evolved or improved, all in an effort to protect and nurture our environment and planet. From recycling stations on the school campus to arranging charitable donations and implementation of new school facilities and maintenance initiatives, Oryx International School is truly a beacon of best practices in sustainability.

Mr Jefferson Cadacio, Facilities Manager, added, “Being the only school worldwide to attain this accreditation has been an honour. From delivering staff training to weekly meetings with Eco-conscious students, positive, sustainable changes have been fostered by all and I feel incredibly proud of both our students and staff. I very much look forward to implementing further sustainable initiatives.”

SVP Aeropolitical and Corporate Affairs, Qatar Airways, Mr. Fathi Atti, said “Qatar Airways has maintained IEnvA certification since 2017, being the first airline in the region to achieve this. The scope was extended to include Oryx International School, based on the commitment by students and teachers towards Environmental Sustainability, which also indicates the robustness of our system to cover a wide range of activities across QR Group.”

Mr David Pottinger, CEO for Orbital Education who manage Oryx International School said, “As a group, we are committed to developing sustainable initiatives and encouraging our students to become leaders in this important area.”

The school confirmed an ongoing collaboration with the global airline to work towards achieving a world-first IEnvA Level 3 standard in the upcoming years.

Source & cover image credit: Press Release

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Fareeha Imtiaz

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