Introduction

Congratulations on making the decision to become part of an international programme for environmental education for sustainability. This is an exciting time for your school to join Eco-Schools worldwide, taking the challenge and working towards improving the local and global environment through education and practical action.

Here is a really simple guide to the Eco-Schools 7 Steps

Eco-Schools 7 steps from Eco-Schools Northern Ireland on Vimeo

Registration

As of 2015, 100% of schools in Northern Ireland are registered on the Eco Schools NI website. If for some reason your school is not registered, please email eco-schools@liveherelovehere.org.

Requirements of Eco-Schools

The support of the Principal and Board of Governors;
A willingness to involve students in decision-making and action at every stage;
Active involvement of staff;
A willingness to take action to instigate long-term change.

The Eco-Schools Northern Ireland Information

Here are some documents and information to help you on your way:

Work through the Seven Steps

Once your school is registered with Eco-Schools Northern Ireland, you can begin to implement the Eco-Schools Seven Elements. Use the menu on the left to find out more about the individual steps. Please remember that you do not have to tackle all of the 11 topics in one go but a minimum of three topics - one major and two minor - must be covered for the Green Flag Application.

The most important aspect for schools to remember is that every school is different and it is therefore critical that a school fits the seven steps around its circumstances and situation and NOT try and fit the school into the seven elements.

Choose from the 11 Topics

Schools in Northern Ireland can choose from a menu of 11 topics when implementing their Eco-Schools work. Although all 11 topics must be included in the Environmental Review, schools can then decide which of the topics they will focus on.

For Green Flag, the school must identify substantial progress towards one major topic and indicate involvement with two others. 'Identify substantial progress' means that the school has an understanding of the topic, recognises its importance to sustainable developments within the school environment and wider community, and implement change.

Apply for an Award

Once a school has successfully implemented the Seven Steps, they are encouraged to apply for a Green Flag. Starting in 2025, all steps of the Green Flag journey are recorded through the MyEarth platform.

And finally above all else the Eco-Schools Programme should be fun.