Scotland’s Eco-Schools are world leaders

26 May 2010

Scottish schools are amongst the world’s leaders when it comes to sustainability, as shown by the 1,000 schools now achieving the highest award under the Eco-Schools programme.
Awarding the 1,000th Green Flag to St Joseph’s Primary in Milngavie Education Secretary Michael Russell also launched Scotland’s second Action Plan under the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD).

SDC Scotland has been a driving force in getting sustainability to be a core principle in Scottish Schools by co-ordinating the process leading up to the publication of the second Action Plan.

Jan Bebbington, Vice-Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission, Scotland, and leader of the UNDESD Action Plan steering group, said:
“The Action Plan recognises that school education plays a pivotal role in developing sustainable development literacy among Scotland’s young people, as well as the key role of higher, further and community based education."

The plan promotes and outlines the actions the educations sector need to take to ensure our society becomes more sustainable.

Education Secretary Michael Russell 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 per cent 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."

Morag Watson, Education Policy Officer at WWF Scotland said:
"Education plays a vital role in preparing people for the challenges and opportunities of living sustainably and realising Scotland's ambitious carbon emissions target."

“The awarding of the 1,000 Eco-Schools Green Flag is evidence of the great progress that has been made in schools since the start of the UN Decade in 2005 and we are looking forward to this Action Plan creating similar progress in the rest of the education system. This Action Plan will contribute to building the skills we need to create a sustainable Scotland."

SDC Vice-Chair Jan Bebbington said: "The plan, however, is just a plan – its implementation and the involvement of all of us working in education in its many guises will help to make it a reality.” 

The UN launched the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development on 1 January 2005. The aim was to promote education as a basis for moving towards a sustainable society and to integrate sustainable development into education at all levels and all areas of life.

Scotland’s Learning for Change Action Plan for the second half of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2010-2014) provides a summary of the progress so far and an overview of what we will do over the remaining five years. Access the Action Plan at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/05/20152453

The Eco-Schools programme is an international initiative that encourages whole-school action for the environment and Scotland is one of the leaders among over 45 countries involved. Schools can apply for three levels of award – Bronze, Silver and finally Green Flag – the highest level and hardest to achieve. Eco-Schools Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Keep Scotland Beautiful. Find out more at: http://www.ecoschoolsscotland.org/

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