Eco Schools
The Eco-Schools programme is vitally important in shaping the community we all want to see in the future"
Eco-Schools is an international initiative designed to encourage whole-school action for the environment. It is an environmental management tool, learning resource and recognised award scheme. All East Renfrewshire schools are registered on the programme.
Many East Renfrewshire schools have attained the highest award level - the Green Flag.
Most young people care deeply about environmental issues. They want to help, but knowing what to do is not always easy. Eco-Schools could be the answer.
Eco Schools is also a learning resource that raises awareness of environmental and sustainable development issues throughout activities linked to curricular subjects and areas.
The aim of the Eco-Schools programme is to make environmental awareness and action an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of the school for both pupils and for staff and to engage the wider community.
The Eco-Schools programme can help schools to:
Improve the school's environment
Reduce litter and waste
Reduce energy and water use
Devise efficient was of travelling to and from school
Promote healthy lifestyles
Encourage active citizenship
Build strong partnerships with a variety of community groups
Develop international and global links
It was at the UN Conference on Environment & Development (Rio Earth Summit) in 1992 that a need to involve young people in finding solutions to environmental and sustainable development challenges at a local level,was identified.
As a result, the Eco-Schools programme was developed in 1994 by the Foundation for Environmental Education(FEE) and introduced into the UK, including Scotland, in 1995.
There are now 43 countries throughout Europe and Africa involved in Eco-Schools and there is also much interest beyond, such as in New Zealand, South America and China. The United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) is also very supportive of the programme and is an institutional partner of FEE, as is the Scottish Government.
The Eco-Schools programme leads to the prestigious international environmental award - the Green Flag. It shows that a school is committed to the highest standards in environmental education and management – something to celebrate and be proud of.
The programme provides guidance about saving energy, reducing waste, and implementing recycling schemes; all of which can add up to direct and long-term savings for schools.
Managing a school’s environmental performance requires knowledge and skills that relate directly to Scottish curricular requirements for ages 3 to 18. The programme provides numerous opportunities to link the Eco-Schools process and activities to a wide range of curriculum subjects and areas: in particular environmental studies, personal and social education, health and citizenship, as well as other initiatives such as Enterprise and Health Promoting Schools. Involvement will also highlight links to How Good is Our School.