Impact & Sustainability
“You may not change the whole world, but you can change someone’s world.”
We believe leadership starts with awareness and action. Our students don’t just learn about problems—they engage directly with communities and ecosystems around the world to be part of the solution. For us, service is more than volunteering—it’s about taking action, learning with purpose, and creating real-world change.
Student Projects
Simini Atelier – Cape Verde
In just 3 days, our students help local artists clean beaches and upcycle hundreds of ghost nets into beautiful, sellable art — work that would otherwise take over 2 months. This project supports sustainable tourism, protects marine life, and boosts the local economy.
Trunk Island Project – Bermuda
In collaboration with the Bermuda Zoological Society, students plant hundreds of native species, helping restore endangered habitats and contributing to vital biodiversity research.
Plastic Whale Project – The Netherlands
In partnership with Plastic Whale, the world’s first plastic-fishing company, our students take to the canals of Amsterdam to remove plastic waste directly from the water. In just a day, they collect kilos of discarded plastic, which is then transformed into high-quality office furniture and boats. This hands-on project raises awareness about plastic pollution, promotes circular economy practices, and empowers students to take action for cleaner oceans and waterways.
Banco de Alimentos – Vigo, Spain
While docked in Vigo, our students volunteer at the local Banco de Alimentos, supporting the fight against hunger and food waste. In just a few days, they help sort, package, and distribute tons of food to families in need.
Our floating campus makes sustainability a way of life, not just a lesson
A+ World Academy is one of the most sustainable schools in the world because it operates aboard the Sørlandet, a tall ship powered by wind, rather than a traditional land campus.
Key Sustainability Points
Wind Power
We sail using wind, drastically cutting carbon emissions compared to schools that rely on buses, cars, and electricity.
Minimal Energy Use
No large buildings mean no heating, cooling, or constant electricity use. The ship uses minimal energy compared to land-based schools.
Efficient Water and Waste Management
Water and waste are carefully managed on the ship, with far less consumption than on land campuses. Students play an active role, sorting waste every night and conserving water to ensure it lasts the journey.
No Harmful Noise Pollution
Our ship operates without creating underwater noise pollution that can disrupt marine life (we sail by wind the 85% of the time), particularly species like whales, which are highly sensitive to sound. This makes our operations ocean-friendly and minimizes harm to marine ecosystems.
Real-World Impact
Onboard Sørlandet, sustainability isn’t a lesson from a textbook — it’s a way of life. Students quickly realize how every decision matters when resources are limited, waste has to be managed carefully, and the ocean’s condition is right outside the banjer.
Navigating to the next destination isn’t just about following a map — it’s about reading wind patterns, understanding currents, and adapting to changing climate conditions. Students experience the true value of knowledge, teamwork, and respect for nature. By living sustainably every day, they develop a mindset that stays with them long after the voyage ends — preparing them to make conscious decisions and drive positive change in the real world.
