Eco-Schools
This is an international awards scheme designed to assist schools in their journey towards becoming more sustainable. It is used in 46 countries worldwide, linking over 40,000 schools. Bath & North East Somerset Council encourages all schools to become Eco Schools and part-funds the Eco-Schools programme in Bath and North East Somerset. This programme is delivered through Resource Futures.
To assist schools with their Eco-Schools activities, the Council has compiled a local guide to resources available to Bath & North East Somerset schools - find the Eco-Schools Directory - 2011 above in Related Documents:
- A directory of organisations, groups and professionals that can work with schools on sustainability, environmental and global citizenship related activities in the Bath and North East Somerset district.
- A table of key online resources that link with the Eco-Schools programme.
The Eco-Schools programme is free to join and provides schools with straightforward advice, resources and case studies. Once a school is registered it follows a seven step process which helps it to tackle environmental issues in the following areas:
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Energy
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Water
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Biodiversity
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School grounds
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Healthy Living
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Transport
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Litter
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Waste
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Global citizenship
Schools work towards one of three awards: Bronze, Silver or the coveted Green Flag award which rewards outstanding achievements in environmental activities. The Bronze and Silver awards are self-accredited through the Eco-Schools website and the Green Flag award is assessed independently by ENCAMS, an environmental charity.
For details on how to register your school and become involved in Eco-Schools contact the Sustainability Team: Email: Sustainability@bathnes.gov.uk. Tel: 01225 477528
Solar Panels for Schools
Are you already looking into, or interested in finding out more about, installing solar panels on your school buildings? Generating electricity via solar panels is an effective way of reducing school running costs and saving carbon. Bath & North East Somerset Council supports schools who are working to cut their carbon emissions and encourages you to consider generating your own energy through renewable technologies such as solar panels. There are a variety of options available for installing solar panels such as; buying panels from school funds, or taking advantage of one of the free offers. The Council has put together a briefing note to answer some of your questions and it covers some of the key practical things to consider when looking to install solar panels.
The note includes sections about:
- The Council’s Position on solar panels
- Making solar panels pay for the school - to self fund, or not
- Key timing issues
- Benefits to the schools
- Signing Leases
- Planning Permission
Find the Solar PV briefing note above in Related Documents .
Join the online discussion and read about B&NES schools green initiatives in the Green Schools group on the Environmental Sustainability Network.
More information on schools in Bath and North East Somerset.