Since 2020, the provider – which operates one-to-one language programs for students at homestay locations in the UK, Ireland and Malta – has been offsetting student emissions with an additional £12 fee added to all bookings.

IH InTuition is now going a step further by targeting negative emissions by the end of the year.

It will also roll out “Green Hosts” badges for eligible teachers.

“IH InTuition has taken the environmental bull by the horns”

“IH InTuition has taken the environmental bull by the horns, making the bold commitment to be carbon negative from 2021. This means [it] will more than offset the carbon emissions from their operations,” the provider noted.

Students can choose not to accept the £12 charge, perhaps if they already make an offset contribution through their own airline, the provider noted.

All staff business trips are also offset by the company and tutors are encouraged to use public transport or bicycles for excursions and activities where possible.

Offsetting is calculated by Clear, which then supports high quality sustainable projects around the world.

Additionally, the provider’s head office has committed to using 100% renewable energy via specialist energy supplier Octopus Energy since January 2020.

“All these actions are ambitious. But the small things add up to make a big difference as well and are definitely worth doing,” IH said.

Other initiatives include environmentally friendly marketing materials, as well as encouraging employees to use local produce in season and consider a meat-free day once a week.

“Tutors are also receiving training on incorporating environmental messages into their courses, and it is the intention that ones who meet certain criteria will be able to register as “Green Hosts” later in 2021,” it added.

IH Online Teacher Training Institute has also recently introduced verifiable digital certificates for teachers taking part in its online teacher training program to allow future employers to easily verify documents.

Digitising the process and removing the need to ship and print certification is in line with IH’s sustainability objectives, it added.

Parent company International House World Organisation launched a “Protect our Planet” initiative in 2020, and has awarded IH InTuition its IH Protecting out Planet badge.

Another member school – IH London – pledged to cover the offsetting costs for students’ flights to all 12 of its young learner courses in 2020.