How Kumon’s Virtual Centers Support Sustainable Development Goal #12

Disclaimer: Kumon Virtual Centers are intended for remote households whose home address is not within 30 miles, or 50km, of a physical Kumon Center.

“The Kumon Method is not just about academic success; it is about nurturing the potential of each individual to contribute positively to society.” – Toru Kumon 

Kumon’s Virtual Centers in Canada and the United States exemplify our commitment to sustainability through innovative practices that align with SDG #12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Through Kumon Connect, worksheets are instantly delivered to students digitally, minimizing the need to ship paper worksheets across the vast geographic regions of Canada and the U.S. This innovation has enabled Kumon to serve families efficiently while significantly reducing our environmental impact.  

By transitioning to digital operations, Kumon Virtual Centers save tens of thousands of worksheets monthly, drastically cutting paper usage and reducing waste. Additionally, by eliminating material shipments and offering remote work for staff and distance learning for families, our Virtual Centers minimize transportation emissions and further reduce their environmental footprint. For instance, the Canadian Virtual Center has achieved a greater than 80% reduction in paper use, while the U.S. West Virtual Center demonstrates higher productivity with fewer physical resources, exemplifying the efficiency and sustainability of our digital-first model. 

In addition to advancing responsible consumption and production, our Virtual Centers contribute to the accessibility and inclusivity of education. The U.S. South Virtual Center reaches students in low-income, rural areas where educational resources are scarce, while the Canadian Virtual Center provides another opportunity to break down barriers for Indigenous and rural communities. By promoting educational inclusion across race, origin, and economic status, Kumon aligns with the United Nations’ goals of Quality Education (SDG #4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG #10). 

Together, these efforts demonstrate Kumon’s unwavering commitment to responsible consumption and production, ensuring that students and families benefit from our proven method while making meaningful contributions to sustainability and equity in education.