Keep Britain Tidy Celebrates Eco-Schools Landmark Success!
Over 1,000 schools in England are now flying the Eco-Schools Green Flag in recognition of their commitment to environmental excellence and sustainability.
More than 60% of schools in England are now registered with Eco-Schools, which is managed in England by Keep Britain Tidy, and are using the programme to become more energy efficient, less wasteful and more resourceful in line with the government’s 2020 targets.
Pupils from Green Flag Award winning schools across the country last week showcased their achievements to Jim Fitzpatrick MP, The Minister for Food, Farming and the Environment at Kew Gardens, London.
All Eco-Schools are expected to put environmental issues at the forefront of their school’s culture and learning. What sets Green Flag schools apart is their commitment to a major school project, lead by the pupils, that will dramatically affect their ability to be sustainable.
Sally Litherland at Leaden Hall Primary School said: "We are incredibly proud of our Green Flag Award and are thrilled to be celebrating this with The Minister. The whole school has worked hard to achieve it, not just a group of pupils or teachers.
"Thanks to the structure and support of the Eco-Schools programme, schools like us have been able to become more sustainable and create a generation of environmentally conscious young people."
The programme requires that pupils carry out an environmental audit of their school before completing projects to make improvements on areas where the school is lacking.
These could be water saving schemes or waste reduction programmes and this work helps their schools to win awards from bronze to the prestigious Green Flag.
Phil Barton, chief executive said; "There are more Eco-Schools in this country than anywhere else in the world.
"The programme is a fantastic success because of the hard work of the pupils, their teachers and the wider school community to reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable."
Minister Jim Fitzpatrick praised Green Flag schools for their achievements at the event at Kew Gardens.
A big thank you to all our Eco-Schools!
