Next Year Admissions for IGCSE Board - Nursery to Grade 8
Non-a/c Classrooms
In India we are blessed to experience all the different seasons and climatic environments. It is healthy and necessary to live in natural environments to build a stronger immunity.
Our Director, Principals, Head Mistresses, and Teachers also operate out of non-AC offices.
Green nets over windows to reduce Direct Sunlight and Heat, a sustainable environment solution.
Rain water harvesting:
All our schools have a fully-functional and operating rain water harvesting system that significantly reduces our impact on the environment.
All our students are shown the school rain water harvesting system for them to appreciate how simple and easy it is to implement.
Solar power plant:
We have installed a solar power plant that sunstantially meets with our electricity consumption in all our school branches - Dahisar , Virar and Thane.
There are plans to incorporate solar power plants in our Virar and Thane schools.
Our school buildings are fitted with LED lighting to further reduce our impact on the surroundings
We regularly take up causes and activities to create awareness on our environment, and reduce wastage.
As the Founder Director of the School, I am often asked why we have chosen not to install air conditioners in our classrooms, especially given the warm climate we experience during certain months of the year. The question is valid, and it gives me an opportunity to share a decision that is both deeply intentional and firmly rooted in our values—of safeguarding student health, promoting sustainability, and building resilience in our learners.
Children today spend a significant portion of their day inside the classroom. Our school grounds, including the basketball court, playgrounds, and assembly areas, are not air-conditioned—and for good reason. We encourage physical activity, outdoor learning, and movement throughout the day. Moving repeatedly between highly cooled indoor spaces and warm outdoor environments can shock the body and reduce its ability to adapt to natural temperatures. This constant thermal shift can also lead to frequent colds, sore throats, and general discomfort.
While air-conditioned spaces may offer momentary comfort, constant exposure to artificial cooling can actually interfere with a child’s natural ability to regulate body temperature. It reduces their heat tolerance and increases discomfort the moment they step outside. More importantly, air conditioners do run the risk of circulating more carbon dioxide, dust, mold, and bacteria through the air. These can cause or aggravate respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies, particularly in younger children with developing immune systems.
In contrast, well-ventilated, fan-cooled classrooms that mirror the natural ambient temperature help students develop physical tolerance and regulate body heat naturally. Children grow stronger when they learn to focus and stay calm in natural environment conditions. This builds a valuable life skill: adaptability—something that cannot be taught from a textbook but is absorbed through daily experience
We have taken the conscious decision to rely on natural ventilation through well-designed classrooms with large windows, ceiling fans, and shaded courtyards. These not only provide a healthier learning environment but also keep our students connected with the natural rhythm of the day. Our architecture is planned to encourage airflow, minimise heat absorption, and maintain indoor comfort in an eco-friendly manner.
Our decision also reflects our strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Air conditioners are some of the most energy-intensive appliances. Their use increases our dependence on fossil fuels and contributes significantly to carbon emissions. At a time when climate change is a pressing global challenge, we believe it is our duty—as educators and as role models—to take steps that reduce our ecological footprint. Choosing not to install ACs across our classrooms is one such step, and it is one we take with pride and purpose.
Equally important is the life lesson this decision teaches our students. In a world increasingly driven by convenience and artificial comfort, we believe in nurturing children who are resilient and adaptable. Learning to stay focused and positive in all natural weather-conditions builds patience and strengthens character. It helps them cope with the real world, where not every environment will be climate-controlled or instantly comfortable. These are important life skills—ones that will serve our students long after they leave the classroom.
Beyond health and wellness, our decision is firmly rooted in our environmental ethos. Air conditioners are among the most energy-intensive appliances and contribute directly to increased carbon emissions. At a time when climate change is affecting communities across the globe, we believe schools must lead by example in choosing sustainable alternatives.
We are proud to share that all our campuses have implemented solar power plants, harnessing renewable energy to meet a significant portion of our energy needs. In addition, we have invested in rainwater harvesting systems across our schools to conserve water and reduce dependence on municipal supplies.
These initiatives are not isolated—they reflect our integrated approach to education and environment. At Rustomjee Cambridge International School, we believe that the spaces we build and the choices we make must reflect the values we teach. Our Green Initiatives are designed to instill a sense of environmental responsibility, community mindfulness, and holistic well-being in our students.
Our choice to say no to air conditioning in classrooms is part of a larger commitment: to raise conscious, healthy, and grounded citizens who respect nature and understand the importance of responsible choices. We are not just educating for academic excellence; we are educating for the future.
To us, progress does not mean more machines or artificial comfort. It means smarter, healthier, and more sustainable choices. It means showing our children that true leadership lies in doing what is right—not just what is easy. We are proud of our non-AC classrooms, our solar panels, our rainwater harvesting systems, and our commitment to raising a generation of mindful, resilient, and eco-conscious learners.
Walking the Talk: A Shared Commitment Across Our School Team
This commitment to a non-air-conditioned environment is not limited to our classrooms alone. My own office, the Principal’s office, and all our staff rooms operate without air-conditioning. We believe that if we ask our students to adapt, build resilience, and embrace natural conditions, we must lead by example.
Our team of educators and administrators works with equal dedication in the same ambient conditions, reinforcing the values we want to instill in our learners. It is not about discomfort—it is about choosing a lifestyle that aligns with our principles of sustainability, equity, and integrity.
This shared experience creates a culture of unity and purpose, where everyone, from school leaders to teachers and students, contributes to a greener, healthier, and more grounded learning environment.
I hope this perspective helps our community understand the 'why' behind our decision. We remain committed to constantly innovating and improving our infrastructure in ways that are sustainable, student-centric, and in harmony with the world we want our children to inherit.
Warm regards,
Dr. Hanif Kanjer
Founder Director
Rustomjee Cambridge International School & Junior College