Eco Schools

The Council encourages every school in the borough to become an Eco-School and provides support for those who are signed up to the scheme.

Eco-Schools is an international award programme that guides schools on their sustainable path. It provides a framework to help insert sustainable values into the heart of school life.

Joining the Eco-Schools programme is free and it makes tackling sustainable issues manageable and easy for all schools, whether they are children’s centres, nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools or schools with special status.

The national Eco Schools website hosts the 'POD'. The Pod is EDF Energy’s Programme for Greener Schools and is an interactive online resource for teachers of Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 children.

As part of the Eco School programme, schools follow a simple seven-step process which helps them to address a variety of environmental topics. 

There are nine key topics, but schools aren't required to work on all of the topics at once. However, whilst working on one topic you may find you make improvements in other areas, as they are designed to interlink.

Energy is the only compulsory topic – tackling it is an excellent way to both reduce your school’s emissions and to save money through reduced energy bills.

Your Eco-Committee will choose the topics your school wishes to address.

Eco Schools Programme offers your school:

• An opportunity to make environmental issues a part of the life of the school
• An opportunity to help develop young people's decision-making skills
• Curriculum materials and ideas for projects and events
• Access to a network of support agencies
• Links with other schools in the UK and Europe
• A prestigious award
• Opportunities for local and national publicity
• Potential for financial savings

It requires:

• The support of the Headteacher and governors
• A willingness to involve pupils in decision-making and action at every stage
• Active involvement of staff and the wider school community
• A willingness to take action to instigate long-term change

For more information please contact Lynn Struve on 0151 606 2446