Eco-Schools
Eco-Schools is the largest sustainable schools programme in the world, operating in over 40 countries. Almost 40,000 schools take part globally and over 50% of all English schools now take part. The programme is delivered in England by the charity Keep Britain Tidy.
Eco-Schools provides a framework which helps schools to recognise good environmental practice and identify areas they need to improve on. Once identified the school creates an action plan which sets out how they will make those improvements. Crucially the programme is led by children and supports many areas of the curriculum.
Eco-Schools delivers the Government’s Sustainable Schools Strategy accrediting schools as they progress. Schools can receive a Bronze Award, Silver Award and ultimately the Green Flag, which is endorsed worldwide by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as an international symbol of excellence.
Eco-Schools and the Pod
Eco-Schools and the Pod have teamed up to help schools in England progress on their sustainable journey. All of the activities developed on the Pod have been written to compliment the Eco-Schools award criteria.
For example by completing the ‘Goodbye Standby’ activity on the Pod, schools will automatically have completed most if not all of the steps needed to achieve a Bronze or Silver Award with Eco-Schools.
Each activity details how it meets the Eco-Schools award criteria and also outlines any additional steps which may be needed to achieve the award.
By working together the Pod and Eco-Schools hope to encourage, support and guide even more schools to become sustainable, saving money, reducing carbon emissions and engaging children in the fight against climate change.
To learn more about Eco-Schools visit www.eco-schools.org.uk