Green Schools Programme

Green-Schools, known internationally as Eco-Schools, is an environmental education programme run by An Taisce and local authorities, designed to promote and acknowledge whole school action for the environment.

Schools undertake long term projects on environmental issues such as Waste and Litter Management, Energy, Water, Sustainable Transport and Biodiversity. On a practical front the Green-Schools programme helps schools to reduce waste and save money on waste charges and it also helps schools to conserve energy and water, therefore saving on utility bills.

Following the award of their first Green Flag for the Litter & Waste theme, schools renew their Green Flag award every two years by working on a new theme.

The sequence of the themes is outlined below:

• Litter and Waste - Examines the impact of litter and waste on the environment and explores practical means for reducing and minimising the amount of litter and waste produced by the school.
• Energy - Suggests ways in which all members of the school can work together to increase awareness of energy issues and to improve energy efficiency within the school.
• Water - Introduces the importance of water both locally and globally and raises awareness of how simple actions can substantially cut down water use.
• Travel - Proposes ways for pupils, staff and local government to work together to raise awareness of transport issues and come up with practical solutions that will make a real difference to pupils’ everyday lives.
• Biodiversity - Investigates the flora and fauna present in the school environment and suggests ways to increase the levels of biodiversity around the school and raises the pupil’s awareness of biodiversity and nature.
• Global Citizenship Litter & Waste - Examines what our rights and responsibilities are on a National, European, and Global scale and encourages staff, students, and parents to look at the impacts our consumptions habits have on other parts of the world.

For more information, please visit https://greenschoolsireland.org/   Or email Louth County Council’s Community Section at community@louthcoco.ie