Powering Quality Education with Clean Energy
Nestled in the mountains of Appi Kogen, within the rich natural landscape of Hachimantai, Harrow International School Appi Japan is profoundly shaped by its surroundings. We recognise how fortunate we are to learn and live in such an extraordinary environment, and with that privilege comes responsibility.
Harrow Appi is proud to be recognised as a Sustainable School, where environmental stewardship, education, and action come together. Our commitment to sustainability goes far beyond reducing emissions. As an educational institution, our greatest impact lies in how we educate young people to understand, value, and protect the natural world, and how we model those values through our daily practice as a school.
As of 1 March 2025, Harrow Appi became the first international school in Japan to operate on 100% geothermal electricity. All electricity used across our mountain campus is now fully carbon neutral, marking a major milestone in our sustainability journey.
This achievement aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly:
As of 1 March 2025, Harrow Appi became the first international school in Japan to operate on 100% geothermal electricity. All electricity used across our mountain campus is now fully carbon neutral, marking a major milestone in our sustainability journey.
This achievement aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly:
By switching entirely to geothermal energy, Harrow Appi is projected to reduce over 400 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually—equivalent to removing nearly 90 passenger cars from the road every year.
Our Geothermal Impact (2025)
From April to October 2025, our geothermal electricity use delivered the following environmental benefits. This clean energy transition demonstrates how local natural resources can power world-class education while protecting the planet.
| 2025 | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Energy (kWh) |
163,222 | 160,922 | 146,250 | 146,319 | 146,316 | 177,726 | 185,599 | 1,126,35* |
|
CO2 (kg) |
64,232 | 63,227 | 57,553 | 57,581 | 57,579 | 69,940 | 73,038 | 443,252* |
Working Together with Our Local Community
Harrow Appi’s geothermal transition was made possible through close collaboration with Hachimantai City and GeoPower, a sustainable energy company established to harness the region’s rich geothermal resources.
Located in a volcanic region with exceptional geothermal potential, Hachimantai offers one of the most viable clean energy landscapes in Japan. The school worked closely over an extended period with city officials and energy experts to plan, design, and implement the transition.
Sustainability in Learning and School Life
Sustainability at Harrow Appi goes beyond infrastructure. It is embedded in how our students learn, lead, and take action.
Student Leadership
The Student Environment Committee, is a student led group empowering students to take ownership of sustainability initiatives across campus. Current and ongoing projects include:
- Student-led food waste reduction initiatives
- Reducing single-use plastics
- Biodiversity and environmental awareness projects
- Building climate literacy through action-based learning
Sustainability Across the Curriculum
Environmental responsibility is woven throughout our academic programmes, including:
| Geography | Science | Design Technology | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human-environment interactions and climate systems |
Energy, ecosystems, and climate change |
Sustainable design and materials | Global perspectives and ethical responsibility |
To deepen understanding of global environmental challenges, we have introduced IGCSE Environmental Management, giving students a rigorous academic foundation in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
