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The Environmental Education Foundation is an organisation made up of NGOs from 26 countries which launched an educational programme in 1994 called the “Eco-Schools Campaign” which brought European primary and secondary schools together to promote environmental concern amongst children. 

In the present day, there is a network of 228 state and private schools in Spain associated to ADEAC (Association of Environmental and Consumer Education), and more than 13,000 in Europe as a whole (EU and non-EU countries). Recently, in collaboration with the United Nations, it has started to extend to other regions of the world, particularly developing countries. 

Schools wishing to form part of this network must fulfil a series of environmental and educational criteria which will enable them to teach the pupils ecological habits in the best possible way, in other words, by example. As such, many of them have solar panels, organic gardens and energy saving measures such as the use of low-energy light bulbs as well as lower water consumption. 

Amongst the participating schools, those which demonstrate a greater commitment to the environment will obtain the Green Flag, an award that has been obtained by more than 55 Spanish schools. It is worth highlighting that Andalusia is the region with the largest number of recognised schools, accounting for almost half of the total. The programme lasts at least three years and if the school passes the periodic evaluation the award will also be valid for three years, which will facilitate the exchanging of experiences between different schools with the aim of continuing this educational approach.

What must a school do to become part of this network?

The Eco-Schools Campaign has a plan containing seven basic points which schools must fulfil if they wish to join the network:

- The first is the creation of an autonomously and democratically elected Environmental Committee to represent the pupils, teachers and other staff. The objective is that it operates as a forum for suggestions and monitoring environmental objectives. 

- The second is an Environmental Audit which provides a detailed report of the school’s needs and those of its surrounding environment. 

- The third point is a Plan of Action, based on the audit, which draws up an annual plan detailing items such as recycling paper, collecting batteries, use of water and energy, etc, both in the school and in the social environment. 

- Fourthly, there is the monitoring and evaluation of the programme, where the pupils have a special role to play. 

- The fifth point is the integration of the basic themes of the Eco-School network (water, energy and solid waste) in the school curriculum. 
  
- The sixth point is related to the information and communication shared between different schools in order to exchange experiences and improve their operation. 

- Finally, the Code of Conduct for both pupils and teachers, which must include realistic demands which can be assessed. 

Advantages of forming part of this network 

The benefits of forming part of this international educational network are numerous. When a conventional school becomes an “Eco-School”, this not only increases the environmental awareness of its pupils, but also enables them to participate in activities which promote taking on responsibilities and increase their interaction with their environment. 

There are also various advantages for the school. Being able to be in touch with other schools enables them to improve their general system of operation, and acquiring saving habits leads to a greater financial saving. Furthermore, by doing their bit to care for the environment they benefit everyone. 

Related articles:

- Learning to save energy

- Educating for sustainability