The number of children developing creative solutions to today’s sustainability issues via the LEGO Group’s free Build the Change social impact program has more than doubled since 2022, according to the company’s most recent figures.

The program, which is supported by the LEGO Foundation and empowers children to build a more sustainable future through play, impacted over 2 million children last year ― up from 900,000 in 2022 ― and is on track to reach even more kids in 2024.

From floating vegetable farms to carbon-munching dragons, Build the Change encourages children to unleash their creative superpowers and build solutions to real-world sustainability issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. They do this after being immersed in fun resources and experiences in schools, events, and homes around the world.

Diana Ringe Krogh, Vice President of Social Responsibility at the LEGO Group, said: “We are delighted that so many children can participate in our flagship Build the Change program.

“Children growing up today care about their future and our planet, so helping them to understand and take on environmental and social challenges in a playful way really matters. Not only can this develop their creative confidence, agency, and compassion, but their ideas can inspire real change. And we’re excited to help make their voices heard.”

New findings from the 2024 LEGO Play Well Study show that 80% of parents believe their child suffers from anxiety regarding the environment and 94% see play as a useful tool for children to explore and learn about sustainability.

Through the introduction of easy-to-use course packs for educators and with the help of partners around the world, in 2023 the program expanded its offering to schools, particularly in the U.S, Denmark, UK, China, Mexico and UK. Independent research into the impact of the program in classrooms found that children enjoyed building solutions to sustainability challenges because it gave them a feeling of hope, agency and being able to contribute.

Jenna Grubman, Senior Director for Strategic Alliances at First Book, a non-profit social enterprise that works to build a world where all children have access to a quality education, said: “We greatly value our partnership with Build the Change. Together with educators we have been able to encourage students in underserved communities across North America to learn through play and discover the fun in creating solutions that address some of the challenges facing their future.

“We look forward to continuing to help give children a voice, supporting them on a path to life-long learning, and inspiring real change.”

For the year ahead, the LEGO Group will launch a host of new challenges and topics including empowering children to design more inclusive places and spaces. Build the Change experiences will also be coming to LEGOLAND Discovery Centers around the world.

Products of Change brought the LEGO Group’s Build the Change campaign to Licensing Expo in Las Vegas last month with an activation showcasing the initiative’s drive to empower children and give them a voice within the clamour that surrounds the climate change conversation.