How to become an Eco-School

Eco-schools are an international programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education that aims to “empower students to be the change our sustainable world needs by engaging them in fun, action oriented, and socially responsible learning.” The Eco-Schools programme aims to make environmental awareness and action an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of a school. Eco-Schools endeavours to extend learning beyond the classroom and develop responsible attitudes and commitment, both at home and in the wider community.

The number of Eco-Schools is growing and is now being implemented throughout the world: there are schools in Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania, and Asia. Sixty-seven countries ae now signed up to the Eco-Schools programme, sharing the same methodology and concept and are identified by the Eco-Schools logo and Green Flag.

How to apply for an Eco-Schools green flag

The application for a Green Flag Eco-Schools status can be started from September. First of all, you are required to answer the seven step questions, which can be done in any order.

1. Eco-Committee, a group of students and adults responsible for all things Eco-Schools.
2. Environmental Review, a free-to-download resource which has been designed to review learning environments and provide inspiration to Eco-Committees.
3. Action Plan, a plan for environmental actions in your school, college or nursery.
4. Curriculum Links, including environmental issues in your schools, colleges, or nursery’s learning.
5. Informing and Involving, including all pupils, staff members and your local community in Eco-Schools work.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation, measuring the impact of the projects in your Action Plan.
7. Eco-Code, a rallying call that everyone can get behind!

Green flag points

Once you have answered all the questions on the seven steps you must achieve a total of 100 Eco-Schools Green Flag points. The points are allocated as follows:

• Step 1 Eco-Committee: 15 points
• Step 2 Environmental Review: 15 points
• Step 3 Action Plan: 15 points
• Step 4 Curriculum Links: 10 points
• Step 5 Informing and Involving: 15 points
• Step 6 Monitoring and Evaluation: 25 points
• Step 7 Eco-Code: 5 points