The national Eco-Schools Green Flag programme is managed by the charity, Keep Britain Tidy, and recognises the achievement of schools in engaging children with environmental issues and empowering them to make a difference, both at school and in their local community.
To secure the Eco-School Green Flag Award, schools will need to demonstrate that they have met each of the following award requirements:
• formed a student led Eco-Committee
• carried out an environmental review
• developed an action plan for the school year
• incorporated environmental education where it links with the curriculum
• informed and involved the entire school
• monitored and evaluated the impact of the work done
• a whole school promise to follow the eco-code
Although the Eco-Schools Green Flag award scheme is free to register, there is a financial cost associated with applying, which is what the council will fund for the 2022/23 academic year.
Cambridge schools interested in securing the council funding support their application to be recognised as an accredited Eco-School should email the council at: sosvolunteers@cambridge.gov.uk
In accordance with the council’s commitment to lead the city response to the global climate change and biodiversity emergencies, the council continues to provide environmental education support to schools, including through council staff providing classroom and practical outdoor sessions in school grounds as well as in city parks and open spaces. Topics covered in these sessions include caring for the city’s physical environment, caring for nature and caring for wildlife.
Cllr Rosy Moore, Executive Councillor for Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “Supporting children and young people to appreciate and care for their local environment is an important life skill. Children are able to take home what they have learnt and share it with their friends and families, as well as applying it in their everyday lives.
There are local schools and students who are working to meet the accredited Eco-School Green Flag Award standard. The council is happy to use the funds from its environmental crime enforcement activity to cover the costs of applying, so that the schools can receive the recognition they justly deserve for their efforts in helping to care for Cambridge and the wider planet. We are proud of the work of local schools and the role they play in inspiring and educating the younger generations on environmental issues."
“Responding to the climate crisis is a key priority of the council, and we are committed to being a net zero council by 2030. We are also committed to a vision of Cambridge being a net zero city by 2030 and see our work with local schools and school children as playing key role in helping us achieve that as a city.”
Adam Flint, Education Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Pupils working on the Eco-Schools programme up and down the country are having an amazing impact on our environment. Last year alone, schools diverted a combined 2 million kilograms of waste away from landfill. They’re an inspiration. We welcome an initiative that enables pupils in Cambridge to receive the accreditation and get the credit that they richly deserve.”
Image: markus spiske, unsplash
