What is Eco schools?

The Eco-Schools programme provides a simple framework to enable your school to analyse its operations and become more sustainable.

By following the programme, your school will become a more stimulating place in which to learn, whilst reducing the environmental impact of the whole school on the community.

The scheme is rooted in a genuine desire to help children become more effective citizens by encouraging them to take responsibility for the future of their own environment. It is not about environmental excellence, it is about your school starting to look at how it impacts upon the environment and how this is decided upon and can be managed.

Pupil involvement is a key part of the Eco-Schools programme. Having pupils engaged in the whole process, including monitoring, action planning and decision-making, leads to genuine ownership of the programme and an increase in their sense of responsibility for the school environment and local area.

Eco-Schools begins with registration. Once registered your school will be part of an international group of schools working towards education for sustainable development (ESD) and a better quality of life for local and (through joint action) global communities.

It is also an award scheme that will raise the profile of your school in the wider community.
There are three award levels:

• Bronze award - self-assessed via website leading to a certificate
• Silver award - self-assessed via website leading to a certificate
• Green Flag - externally assessed leading to a certificate and flag