What if a school campus could become a place where students learn about climate change, renewable energy and sustainability by observing them in action? A school in Jalandhar is bringing that idea to life with an unusual installation — an Algae Tree, which the institution describes as the first of its kind in Asia.
Cambridge International School (Co-Ed), Jalandhar, inaugurated its Nation First: India’s Green Campus & Climate Intelligence Laboratory on September 28, with Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta attending the event.
The Algae Tree is among 36 installations spread across eight zones on the campus, alongside a Solar Tree, a cycle-powered energy station, rainwater harvesting facilities and other sustainability-focused projects.
What is an Algae Tree?
An Algae Tree is an installation designed around algae, photosynthetic organisms that use sunlight to grow and absorb carbon dioxide.
The Jalandhar school's installation is intended to introduce students to algae-based technology and its potential applications in environmental sustainability.
The school has described it as Asia's first Algae Tree, making it the centrepiece of its newly inaugurated Green Campus and Climate Intelligence Laboratory.
From a Solar Tree to a cycle-powered energy station
The campus features several installations focused on renewable energy and environmental conservation.
A Solar Tree supports the school's solar-powered security cameras and other requirements, while a cycle-powered energy station introduces students to the concept of generating energy through physical activity.
Other facilities include a bird observation deck, butterfly garden, seed bank, nature classroom, sensory trail and meditation corner.
The campus also incorporates rainwater harvesting, biogas, aquaphonics and hydroponics, bringing together different approaches to resource conservation and sustainable agriculture.
36 installations turn campus into a living classroom
The Green Campus is divided into eight zones, with installations designed to connect classroom learning with practical experiences.
Students can explore topics such as renewable energy, biodiversity, water conservation, waste management and climate awareness through these facilities.
The school is also developing a student-led Research and Development Team to encourage students to identify challenges, conduct experiments, study data and work on practical solutions.
The installations are intended to serve as potential research stations for projects across different environmental themes.
Governor inaugurates climate laboratory in Jalandhar
Governor Kavinder Gupta inaugurated the laboratory on September 28 and described the campus as a "living classroom", highlighting the role of experiential learning in connecting students with nature and real-world challenges.
The inauguration was followed by the school's Investiture Ceremony, where the newly appointed Student Council formally assumed office.
The initiative is aligned with Mission LiFE, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, according to the school.
Bringing sustainability into everyday learning
With its Algae Tree, Solar Tree and other environmental installations, the campus aims to make sustainability a practical part of students' everyday learning.
The initiative brings together renewable energy, water conservation, biodiversity and environmental research in one setting, offering students opportunities to explore how sustainability concepts can be applied beyond textbooks.
