Eco Schools

The need to involve young people in finding solutions to environmental and sustainable development challenges at a local level was identified at the United Nations Conference on Environment & Development (Rio Earth Summit) in 1992.

As a result, the Eco-Schools programme was developed in 1994 by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in the UK, including Scotland, in 1995.

The Eco-Schools Scotland programme is part of the international initiative, managed in Scotland by Keep Scotland Beautiful. It  aims to make environmental awareness and action an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of the school for both pupils and for staff and to engage the wider community. The Eco-Schools programme can help schools to:

• Improve the school's environment
• Reduce litter and waste
• Reduce energy and water use
• Devise efficient was of travelling to and from school
• Promote healthy lifestyles
• Encourage active citizenship
• Build strong partnerships with a variety of community groups
• Develop international and global links

There are over 3000 schools registered as Eco Schools in Scotland and 26% of local authorities, including Aberdeenshire have attained the highest level award – the Green Flag. Forty three countries throughout Europe and Africa are involved in the programme. There is also much interest beyond, such as in New Zealand, South America and China.

How are Aberdeenshire’s Eco schools performing?

All 172 schools have signed up to the Eco-Schools programme
111 schools have achieved the bronze award

83 have silver awards
26 schools have the prestigious 1st Green Flag
9 primary schools have a 2nd Green Flag

1 school has their 3rd Green Flag

Did you know?
Once a school has achieved an Eco-Schools award at Bronze or above it is entitled to
apply for a one-off Scottish Government grant of £250.