|
 |
Eco Schools InitiativeUseful links: ECO SCHOOLS WEBSITE |
|
|
ECO SCHOOLSEco Schools Under The Microscope :: Eco Schools - Bronze, Silver & Green! Eco-schools is a process state and private schools can go through to achieve eco-schools status. The process begins by schools forming a committee which focusses on green issues. It seems straightforward enough to get a foot on the ladder, which takes schools up through basic green initiatives, like maybe switching off lights when not in use, and recycling paper, through to things like school composting and organic growing, and culminating with GREEN FLAG STATUS, possibly after more major projects, such as installing relevant green technology such as solar water, grey water recycling for toilet flushing, etc. It's difficult to find too many disadvantages with this kind of scheme. Provided schools genuinely have a desire to go green, and not just get the minimum standard to claim green status, then this has to be good. Knowing schools' budgets, they are also unlikely to be throwing money at pointless green endeavours. Much more likely is that they will use green measures sensibly to cut down on their energy bills first of all, whereby pupils can see how being green does not negatively affect lifestyle, but possibly enhances it. The Eco-schools website contains full details of how to set up a venture, and this includes a short Eco schools film. For more information on all things green, see also CAT, the Centre for Alternative Technology www.cat.org.uk. Eco Schools under the microscopeEco schools is an initiative providing a framework for schools around the UK to develop basic environmental awareness, and integrate sound 'green' practices within schools. By the end of 2006 there were over 5300 schools registered in the UK. The scheme awards schools at different stages of their progress towards "Green Flag" status. At this level, external inspections take place on an annual a basis until, after a number of years, schools can achieve permanent Green status. Of interest to schools up and down the country should be the fact that the high-street retailer Curry's through its Switched on Communities project is offering grants of up to £5000 to fund eco projects around the country. The initial phases of Bronze and Silver should be achieved by any school adopting basic best practice in environmental management. The final step does call for some evidence of more substantial projects as the following criteria demonstrate: Eco Schools - Bronze, Silver and Green!
The school has identified an Action Team, and the team has met on at least TWO occasions. The Action Team has completed an Environmental Review, formal or informal. The Action Team has produced a basic ‘Action Plan’ and shared this plan with the school community. The Action Team can identify progress towards achieving elements of the Action Plan The school can indicate that some environmental issues have been covered within curriculum work. The school has a dedicated notice-board detailing the activities being undertaken. SILVER AWARD The school has identified an Action Team, and the team has met on at least FOUR occasions. The team has the support of a parent and/or governor. The Action Team has completed a formal Environmental Review (which must at least cover the issues of waste, energy and water) and recorded the results. The Action Team has produced a detailed ‘Action Plan’, including timescales and targets, and shared the plan with the school community. The Action Team can identify progress towards achieving elements of the Action Plan. The school has a dedicated notice-board detailing the activities being undertaken. The school has informed parents and the wider community about the good work being undertaken in the school towards Eco-School status. The school can indicate that some environmental issues have been covered within curriculum work in most year groups. The school has agreed, adopted and displayed an Eco–Code. GREEN FLAG AWARD The school has identified an Action Team, and the team has met on at least SIX occasions. The team has the support of a parent and/or governor. Pupils take significant responsibility for the running of the team. The Action Team has completed a formal Environmental Review, (which must at least cover the issues of waste, energy and water) recorded the results and undertaken a follow-up review. The Action Team has produced a detailed ‘Action plan’, including timescales and targets, and shared the plan with the school community and updated it based upon the follow-up review. The Action Team can identify progress towards achieving most targets in the Action Plan and can produce physical evidence of data collection and analysis (graphs etc). The school can identify substantial progress towards one large-scale project and indicate involvement with two others. Identify substantial progress means that the school has an understanding of the project topic, recognises its importance to sustainable development within the school environment and wider community and has implemented change. The school has a prominent, dedicated notice-board detailing the activities being undertaken towards Eco-Schools. Eco–Schools activities are being reported in assemblies and at governors meetings. The school can illustrate regular communication lines to parents and the wider community about the good work being undertaken in the school as a result of Eco-Schools. The school has agreed, adopted and displayed an Eco–Code. The school can produce evidence that environmental issues have been covered within curriculum work in most year groups throughout the school. Where possible pupils have been involved in data collection and analysis of data used to monitor progress in the project topic. The school is willing to share good practice with other schools who wish to join the scheme. The above information is provided courtesy of www.eco-schools.com For further information contact: Eco-Schools Northern Ireland: Eco-Schools
|
| © 2006 GreenNouse.com |
BRONZE
AWARD