1. Eco-Schools Clare Baird – Eco-Schools Volunteering Coordinator

2. What is Eco-Schools? Developed by Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in 1994/5 The largest sustainable schools programme in the World Operating in 47 countries 40,000 schools taking part In England over 61.8% of all schools are already participating A framework for schools to deliver sustainable change Led by children A whole school programme Endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a model initiative for Education for Sustainable Development.

3. How does it work? 1. Register free at www.eco-schools.org.ukwww.eco-schools.org.uk 2. Form an Eco-Committee / Action Team 3. Carry out an Environmental Review 4. Develop an Action Plan 5. Deliver projects 6. Apply for an Award 7. Celebrate

4. Nine Environmental Topics Energy Water Biodiversity Global Perspectives Healthy Living Litter School Grounds Transport Waste

5. Eco-Schools Awards Bronze Silver Green Flag Green Flag Ambassador (coming soon) Eco-Heroes – NEW! Launched in 2009

6. Links with other programmes and schemes EDF Energy, The Pod www.jointhepod.orgwww.jointhepod.org HSBC Eco-Schools Climate Initiative (volunteering programme) and Eco-Code competition BBC Breathing Places Schools International Schools Award (British Council / Global Gateway) Healthy Schools Food for Life Partnership

7. Government Strategies Sustainable Schools Every Child Matters Learning Outside the Classroom Healthy Schools

8. A closer look at the Water theme… Some ideas for activities relating to this topic Start with a survey – how much water do you currently use Think simple steps to reduce water usage such as making your own water hippos for toilet cisterns or changing the timer settings for automatic flush systems. Create posters and signs to display reminders about saving water – keep them positive or interesting by using short factiods Find out about collecting water in water butts or trying to harvest grey water for use in toilets. Dont try to reinvent the wheel!! There are lots of good resources online to give you a focus or starting point. Your local water authority is a good place to start. Alternatively you could look at WaterAid http://www.wateraid.org/uk/learn_zone/default.asp or the Water School websites for ideas http://www.thewaterschool.co.uk http://www.wateraid.org/uk/learn_zone/default.asphttp://www.thewaterschool.co.uk

9. A closer look at the Energy theme… Some ideas for activities relating to this topic Start with a survey – find out how much energy you currently use. Small simple steps are the best beginning – jumping in at expensive alternative energy sources can be daunting. Create posters and signs to display reminders about saving energy – keep them positive or interesting by using short factoids For those projects that do need financial assistance try and find ways to raise funds through different projects or activity days Dont try to reinvent the wheel!! There are lots of good resources online to give you a focus or starting point. EDF Energys The Pod www.jointhepod.org has lots of good resources as do most energy companies. www.jointhepod.org

10. A closer look at the Biodiversity theme… Some ideas for activities relating to this topic Start with a survey – find out what you have Think about what wildlife you would like to attract Create an area just for wildlife – it doesnt matter where you start it can be a simple as some tubs sown with wildflower seeds or bird feeders Create homes for wildlife – bug hotels are a great place to start, they are simple and cheap and very quick to do Dont try to reinvent the wheel!! There are lots of good resources online to give you a focus or starting point. The Do One Thing activities from BBC Breathing Places give you all the advice and information you will need for this.

11. Any Questions? Further information on Eco-Schools can be found at: www.eco-schools.org.uk