At ECS Scotland, we believe that learning English shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. That’s why, from January 2024, we introduced a £20 Climate Care Charge (CCC) for all course bookings — a small step with a meaningful environmental impact.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly English course in Scotland, this is part of our long-term strategy to reduce our carbon footprint and help students make more conscious travel decisions.
Why offset student flights?
Air travel is the single largest contributor to our carbon footprint as a language school.
- A return flight from most European cities to Edinburgh produces around 600kg of CO₂
- A return flight from Tokyo generates approx. 2.6 tonnes of CO₂
To put that in context:
🌳 According to the Woodland Trust, “every £100 donated helps care for enough woodland to capture and store around four tonnes of carbon.”
That means just £20 offsets approx. 0.8 tonnes — enough to balance the emissions of one European student or contribute to offsetting longer-haul journeys.
The Climate Care Charge will go towards The Woodland Trust's woodland regeneration and management and the ECS Scotland Grove through Trees for Life.
What is the Climate Care Charge?
The £20 Climate Care Charge is a sustainability donation included in every course booking. It is not a tax or fee — it’s a commitment.
All funds go directly to:
- The Woodland Trust – supporting UK-wide woodland regeneration and long-term forest management
- Trees for Life – a Scottish rewilding project restoring the ancient Caledonian Forest in the Highlands
Together, these organisations help absorb carbon, protect biodiversity and regenerate ecosystems.
Meet Lindsay, our senior teacher and green lead, explaining the Climate Care Charge.
What does your £20 support?
Your £20 Climate Care Charge helps to: | Estimated Impact |
|---|---|
Regenerate and care for native woodland | Supports 0.8 tonnes of carbon offsetting |
Offset one EU student’s return flight | ~600kg CO₂ = ~30 trees worth of absorption |
Support UK-wide and Scottish rewilding | Carbon + biodiversity benefits |
Awareness of sustainable travel choices | Adds learning value to your course experience |
How trees store and capture carbon
Student voices: Why it matters
“I travelled to Edinburgh by train from the south of France. It took longer, but I felt proud to arrive without flying. Knowing ECS Scotland supports woodland projects made it feel worthwhile.”
— Camille, Environmental English student from Toulouse
“I’d never thought about carbon offsetting until I read about the Climate Care Charge. I was happy to know my course included something positive for the environment.”
— Daniel, General English student from Hamburg
How this fits into our wider sustainability strategy
Our Green Lead, Lindsay, created the Climate Care Charge as part of ECS Scotland’s commitment to becoming a sustainable language school in Scotland. It complements our accreditation by Green Standard Schools and aligns with our low-paper classrooms, eco-conscious suppliers and tree-planting partnerships.
Want to learn English more sustainably?
Choosing where and how you study English matters. At ECS Scotland, we believe in real-world learning with real-world responsibility.
For clients travelling to Edinburgh by train, the Climate Care Charge will be deducted from the invoice. Please send us a copy of your train booking and receipt.
