Eco-Schools Engaging the youth of today to protect the climate of tomorrow

What is Eco-Schools? Run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). FEE promotes sustainable development through 5 environmental education programmes (Eco-Schools, Learning about Forests (LEAF), Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE), Green Key and Blue Flag International programme Aim: Encourage young people to engage in their environment by allowing them the opportunity to actively protect it.

Where is Eco-Schools? Almost 60 countries worldwide…

Important partners The Foundation for Environmental Education is partnered by some of the world's foremost organisations in the fields of education and the environment. Recognised by UNESCO as a world-leader within the fields of Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development, our strength comes from our members who share our convictions and execute our programmes with great efficiency on a daily basis. Hand-picked by FEE for their dedication  and outstanding ability, it is these local organisations who make FEE the community-focused entity that it is today.

It all starts in the classroom Include everyone Combining learning with hands-on experiences, the whole programme is run according to an all-inclusive, participatory approach involving students,  teachers and the local community at large. Improve school environments The Eco-Schools programme is an ideal way for schools to embark on a meaningful path towards improving the environmental footprint of a school, a change which inevitably leads to a more sustainable, less costly and more responsible school environment. Motivate Eco-Schools challenges students to engage in tackling environmental problems at a level where they can see tangible results, spurring them on to realise that they really can make a difference. Improve attitudes Eco-Schools instills in students a sense of responsibility and cultivates a sustainable mindset which they can apply on a daily basis. It equips those involved with the drive to really make a difference and to spread such proactive behaviour amongst family and friends, ultimately passing it on to future generations. Involve communities Eco-Schools places great emphasis on involving the local community from the very beginning. By doing so, the lessons the students pick up are transferred back into the community where they take hold and lead to more sustainable, environmentally responsible behaviour patterns all round. Connect Globally Eco-Schools facilitates contact between participating institutions not just at the national level, but also internationally. These links provide an opportunity for schools to share environmental information, they can also be used as a means for cultural exchanges and for improving language skills.

Structure

Eco-Schools International Team Liesbeth Plovie International Eco-Schools Assistant E: liesbeth@feeinternational.org T: +45 6124 8088 Bríd Conneely International Eco-Schools Director E: brid@feeinternational.org T: +45 6124 8084

Why join Eco-Schools? Advantages for students: We know that Eco-Schools inspires and empowers students creates leaders of change in their communities widens learning beyond the lecture room develops responsible attitudes and commitment leads to increased levels of confidence and motivation increases participation in environmental actions improves skills and knowledge in all subjects improves mental and physical wellbeing Advantages for the schools We have learned that the programme delivers an improved environmental impact on campus involvement with the local community, other institutions and organisations financial savings international connections a method of embedding sustainability into the curriculum the capacity to nurture and support intrinsic values (care, empathy, creativity, compassion) improved wellbeing of students and staff lecturers and staff who are proud of their third level institution

How Eco-Schools works The Eco-Schools programme consists of three structural elements - The Seven Steps Framework, the Eco-Schools Themes, and Assessment for the Green Flag. To be successful the programme requires support from school leaders and the Board. Active involvement of staff is imperative as well as long-term commitment and the willingness to involve students in decision-making.

Seven Steps Methodology The Eco-Schools Seven Steps methodology is a series of  carefully engineered measures  to help schools maximise the success of their Eco-School ambitions. The method involves a wide diversity of individuals from the school community - with students playing a primary role in the process. The most important aspect for schools to remember is that every school is different and it is therefore critical that a school fits the seven steps around its circumstances and situation and NOT try to fit the school into the seven steps.

Themes While the Seven Steps and the Seven-Step methodology are the most important aspect of the Eco-Schools programme, we have found that working with Themes can also be a great help in giving the programme even more structure.  For the purpose of the Environmental Review there are 10 main Themes.  These are:  Biodiversity & Nature Climate Change Energy Global Citizenship Health & Wellbeing Litter School Grounds Transport Waste Water

Green Flag Award The International Green Flag is an acknowledged symbol for environmental excellence developed and owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). 

Green Flag Application 1. Before a school can apply for the first Eco-Schools Green Flag it must have carried out the following: • Registered with Eco-Schools International • Be working on the programme for at least one school year • Completed all Seven Steps of the Eco-Schools programme • Completed an Environmental Review for all 10 Main Themes • Have a current Action Plan, with future targets. Either Global Citizenship or Climate Change have to be a Theme which is addressed on in the Action Plan. 2. Fill in Application Form and send to Eco-Schools International 3. A pleasant on-site meeting, usually between the Eco Committee and the Assessor.  It generally takes about two hours.   Note: Since the Green Flag is of extremely high standard, it will take the school at least one school year to be eligible for assessment, and generally it will take two years. Note: Once you have received your first flag you must renew it every two years. For this renewal we expect you to take on, at least, one new Theme in the Action Plan.

Costs Registration Costs 600€ - 2 years The registration levy will cover administration, support, resources & tools, mentoring and further development of the programme over a two-year period. Note: We do believe that the savings in water and electricity alone as a result of implementing the Eco-Schools programme in your school will cover those costs. 2. Assessment Costs (Green Flag Assessment – every two years) €400 + travel costs + accommodation for one night (if necessary) Note: Eco-Schools International will designate an assessor as close as possible to the school to do the assessment to keep the travel costs as low as possible and avoid an overnight stay.

Global Action Days As part of the Green Flag Application we asks schools to organise at least one action as part of the Global Action Days campaign. All information can be found on www.ecoschools.global/global-action-days Organised twice a year (November – April) Aim: Inform and Involve the wider community on the environmental actions of your school and share your good practices with other schools all over the world. HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT ONE ACTION AT A TIME!

Good practice

Eco-Schools You can do it too!!!!! Any questions? Please contact liesbeth@feeinternational.org