Green-Schools

Green-Schools’ mission is to protect planet Earth

Green-Schools is a long-term environment education and awareness programme where schools and the wider community work together for a Sustainable Future. The aim of Green-Schools is to increase participant awareness of environmental issues through classroom studies and to transfer this knowledge into positive environmental action in the school and in the wider community.

Green-Schools Themes

Schools spend two years working on each of the following themes:

After successful completion of each theme the school can apply for the Green Flag Award. This award has now become a well-recognised Eco-Label and must be renewed every two years.

Green-Schools 7 Step Programme

Learn about each of the seven Green-Schools steps and the work that goes into them.

Step one

Green Schools Committee: This directs the school’s involvement in the project. Ideally, the committee includes pupils, teachers, non-teaching staff, management, and parents.

Step two

Environmental Review: A process of examining the school's environmental impacts to identify targets for action and improvement.

Step three

Action Plan: This gives specific and achievable targets with proposed completion dates that will show real success.

Step four

Monitoring and evaluation: This will ensure that progress towards targets is checked, amendments made when necessary and success celebrated.

Step five

Curriculum work: Curriculum materials are provided and ideas on how to integrate environmental issues into lessons.

Step six

Informing and involving: A publicity programme keeps the school and wider community involved and informed through displays, assemblies and press coverage. A Day of Action involves the whole school and wider community in meeting your targets.

Step seven

Establishing a green code: This is a statement of the schools’ commitment to environmental good habits.

2024 Update

11 Laois schools reaped the rewards of caring for the environment, when they were honoured at a Green Schools Awards ceremony in Kilkenny in May 2024. The Green Schools programme is celebrating 26 years working with primary and secondary schools across the country. This year, 12 awards ceremonies attended by 4,000 people were held in eight locations nationwide.

The Environmental Awareness Officer, Samantha McLeod, will organise events, workshops, and competitions for schools throughout the country. In addition, Laois County Council actively promotes and assists schools wishing to partake in the Green Schools Programme. If your school would like to get involved please have a look at the Green Schools Ireland website

You can also contact the Environmental Awareness Officer with any queries on 057 867 4341 or email smcleod@laoiscoco.ie