About Green-Schools
Green-Schools, known internationally as Eco-Schools, is an international environmental education programme, environmental management system and award scheme that promotes and acknowledges long-term, whole school action for the environment.
Eco-Schools is operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) whose main partners include the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Green-Schools in Ireland
Green-Schools in Ireland is operated and co-ordinated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce (FEE member for Ireland), in partnership with Local Authorities throughout the country, is supported by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and is sponsored by the Wrigley Company Ltd and Irish Water.
Over 3,800 primary, secondary and special schools in Ireland (>93% of all Irish schools) are currently participating part in the programme and 3139 schools have been awarded the Green Flag. The Irish Green-Schools programme is one of the most successful within the international network. One of the main factors in the success of the Irish Green-Schools programme is the partnership between the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce and Local Authorities i.e. the financial and time contribution of the Local Authorities to the programme. Most of the Local Authorities (City & County Councils) have an Environmental Awareness Officer (EAO). These officers provide the invaluable on the ground support to schools undertaking the programme.
Green-Schools is a themed and seven-step programme.
Seven Steps and Themes
Green-Schools is a themed programme with schools initially focusing on the theme of Litter & Waste, and working through the seven steps for this theme and applying for the Green Flag. Once successful, the school moves onto the Energy theme, and then onto the Water theme, with a new theme introduced after each successful renewal. This links very well with the renewal of the award every two years.
The Green-Schools programme is based on Seven Steps. These steps are outlined in the chart below. 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 and fit the school into the seven steps.
1. Green-Schools Committee
2. Environmental Review
3. Action Plan
4. Monitoring and Evaluation
5. Curriculum Work
6. Informing and Involving
7. Green Code