At Accademia Europea di Firenze, sustainability is not just a word—it is a way of thinking, living, and learning. Last week marked a significant moment in our ongoing journey toward environmental responsibility: we held our Carbon Literacy Course, offered not only to students but to our staff and faculty as well.
The course was led by Daniel Ponce-Taylor, an expert in sustainability education, Director at the Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI), and Chair of AEF’s Sustainability Action Group (SAG). He was joined by AEF faculty member Matteo Fusco, who brought his experience and energy to guide participants through a week of education and reflection.
Together, they took us on a journey through the realities of climate change, carbon emissions, and the power of everyday choices. The course covered essential topics: from the science behind global warming to strategies for carbon reduction, from understanding systemic issues to identifying personal and collective solutions.
But what made this week truly special was its spirit.
It wasn’t just about gaining knowledge—it was about looking inward at our own habits, and outward at how, as a community and as an institution, we can do better.
This course is just one piece of AEF’s evolving strategy to become a leader in sustainability within the international education sector. Over the past 18 months, we have taken significant steps to align our actions with our values:
Identified sustainability as a core institutional value.
Created the Sustainability Action Group (SAG).
Signed the CANIE Accord.
Conducted a comprehensive sustainability audit.
Integrated the UN Sustainable Development Goals into all our courses.
Installed recycling bins, filtered water systems, and eco-friendly products across our building.
Replaced paper with digital systems and encouraged low-impact travel.
Collaborated with partners like Elon University and the City of Florence.
Participated in global forums and professional conferences to share our work.
AEF also launched its Sustainability Pledge, signed by our President Gustavo Gesteira, and adopted the tagline "Learning Sustainably" to reflect our mission.
What’s Next?
With several members of our team now certified in Carbon Literacy—and with training programs being integrated into the curriculum—we are poised to continue leading by example.
Our goal is not just to teach Italian language, art, and culture, but to prepare conscious global citizens who understand that sustainability is not someone else's job—it’s everyone’s responsibility.
At AEF, we are committed to learning sustainably. Are you with us?
