Scotland boasts 1,000 Green schools

Scotland now has 1,000 schools with ‘Green flag’ status under the Eco-Schools scheme. Eco-Schools is an international initiative encompassing 45 countries. In Scotland it is funded by the government. St […]

Scotland now has 1,000 schools with ‘Green flag’ status under the Eco-Schools scheme.

Eco-Schools is an international initiative encompassing 45 countries. In Scotland it is funded by the government.

St Joseph’s Primary School in Milngavie, Glasgow, is the 1,000th Green flagged school in Scotland. Nearly one third of local authority Scottish schools now have a Green Flag, for which schools must demonstrate an outstanding, pupil-led commitment to sustainability.

Education Secretary Michael Russell visited the school this week and while there launched Scotland’s second Action Plan under the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, which promotes and outlines the education actions needed to ensure our society becomes more sustainable.

He said: “Scotland has set the most ambitious climate change targets in the world and we all have a responsibility to live more sustainable lives that don’t compromise the quality of life of future generations. It’s highly encouraging, therefore, that our schools are demonstrating a real commitment to sustainability and greener thinking.

“Through the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, Scotland is committing to driving forward changes and our schools have a key part to play – as demonstrated by our Eco-Schools. Over 98% of our schools are part of the Eco-Schools programme, and young people are having an increasing impact as they take back what they are learning into our communities.

Kate Campbell, Eco-Schools Manager in Scotland said: “Reaching the award of our 1,000th Green Flag is a fantastic achievement and shows just how determined Scotland’s young people are to look after and enhance their environment.”

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