Eco-Schools
Issuing Organization:
Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
Label purpose:
Eco-Schools is a global program encouraging whole-school action on sustainable development education. It aims to raise students' awareness of sustainable living and environmental stewardship through engagement in Eco-Schools’ Seven Step framework. The program fosters a sense of environmental responsibility and action among young people, educators, and the wider community.
Certification Criteria:
Schools participating in the Eco-Schools program must follow a seven-step process that includes forming an eco-committee, conducting an environmental review, developing an action plan, monitoring and evaluating progress, linking to the curriculum, informing and involving the wider community, and creating an Eco-Code. Schools work towards achieving one of three awards: Bronze, Silver, and the prestigious Green Flag.
Geographical Coverage:
Schools participating in the Eco-Schools program must follow a seven-step process that includes forming an eco-committee, conducting an environmental review, developing an action plan, monitoring and evaluating progress, linking to the curriculum, informing and involving the wider community, and creating an Eco-Code. Schools work towards achieving one of three awards: Bronze, Silver, and the prestigious Green Flag.
Target Industries/Segments:
The primary target of the Eco-Schools program is educational institutions, including pre-schools, primary, secondary, and high schools.
Certification Process:
Schools register with their national Eco-Schools organization and begin implementing the seven-step process. Progress towards achieving the Bronze and Silver awards criteria is self-assessed, while the Green Flag award requires an external assessment by an Eco-Schools assessor. Achieving each award level signifies the school's commitment and progress towards sustainability.
Certificate Validity:
The Green Flag award is valid for two years, after which schools must reapply and demonstrate continued commitment and development in their environmental actions to renew their Green Flag status.
Benefits for Consumers/Producers:
For schools, participation in the Eco-Schools program offers a structured framework for embedding sustainable practices into the school culture, enriching the educational experience, and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship among students. It recognises the school’s commitment to sustainability, enhancing its reputation within the community.
Sustainability Impact:
The Eco-Schools program has a significant impact on promoting sustainable development education. It encourages young people to engage in activities that support sustainable living, biodiversity, energy conservation, waste reduction, and water conservation, contributing to the long-term goal of creating more sustainable and environmentally aware societies.
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