The eco schools programme
Eco schools is an international award programme that guides schools on their environmental journey.
Eco schools provides a framework to help put the environment at the heart of school life.
The programme works through different levels.
The top 'Green Flag' award meets the international green flag certification standard.
Three schools in Jersey have achieved Green Flag status.
Registering as an eco school
Joining the eco schools programme is free.
To register as an eco school, you will need to complete the online form on the Eco Schools website.
Visit the Eco Schools website
The eco schools awards
There are three award levels within the eco schools programme:
The criteria for each level is outlined on the eco schools website.
The bronze and silver awards are self-assessed online.
Trust is placed on each school to complete this process honestly.
The Green Flag award is an international standard and the assessment is more rigorous.
The assessment is carried out by the Keep Britain Tidy group.
Applications are submitted in writing or electronically and the school is visited by a trained assessor.
Once a school has been awarded the Green Flag, it will need to reapply for the award every two years.
First applications and renewals use the same application form.
Apply online for an award on the Eco Schools England website
Eco schools nine key topics
The eco schools programme targets nine key subjects:
- energy
- water
- biodiversity
- school grounds
- healthy living
- transport
- litter
- waste
- global citizenship
Your school is not required to work on all of the topics at once.
When you are working on one topic, you may find you make improvements in other areas as they are designed to interlink.
Energy is the only compulsory topic.
Tackling energy use is an excellent way to both reduce your school’s emissions and to save money through reduced energy bills.
Support in Jersey for eco schools
Support is available for Jersey schools from the eco active school team.
This team is coordinated by the eco active programme manager.
Eco school meetings are held each term for eco teachers.
These meeting are a forum to share ideas and experiences. Competitions and campaigns also form some of the support work and are designed to meet with eco schools award criteria.
Email eco active school team
gov.je