Eco schools

Eco Schools is an environmental award scheme for schools, which aims to promote environmental awareness and positive environmental action.

Eco Schools (opens in a new window) is a world-wide scheme, and is coordinated in Britain by ENCAMS (opens in a new window)

The scheme links to many curriculum subjects, including citizenship, personal, social and health education (PSHE) and education for sustainable development. 

It is also an award scheme that raises the profile of the school in the wider community.

The Eco Schools process aims to involve the whole school (pupils, teachers, non-teaching staff and governors) together with members of the local community (parents, the local authority, the media and local businesses). 

It encourages teamwork and helps to create a shared understanding of what it takes to run a school in a way that respects and enhances the environment.

Eco Schools in Derbyshire

There have been schools in Derbyshire working towards the Eco Schools award since 1997. Thirty schools have now achieved the Green Flag Award, and many schools have achieved bronze and silver awards.

Schools in Derbyshire looking for help and advice on Eco Schools projects should contact the Eco Schools Officer on 01629 580000 ext 7568.   

We are available to introduce the scheme to school staff, to give assemblies on Eco Schools topics and to help run sessions with the school's Eco Committee or School Council.   

We can also put schools in touch with organisations and individuals that can help them to progress with Eco Schools projects.

The benefits of the scheme

Eco Schools offers schools: 

  • favourable recognition of the scheme by schools inspectors
  • financial savings gleaned from reduced water, fuel and waste disposal bills
  • numerous curriculum links
  • increased environmental awareness amongst pupils and staff
  • an improved school environment and a reduction in the amount of litter
  • opportunities for local and national publicity.  
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