Eco-Schools is an internationally acclaimed program that provides a framework to help educators integrate sustainable principles throughout their schools and curriculum.

The Eco-Schools program was started in 1994 by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) with support by the European Commission. It was identified by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a model initiative for Education for Sustainable Development in 2003. The Eco-Schools program strives to model environmentally sound practices, provide support for greening the curriculum and enhance science and academic achievement. Additionally, it works to foster a greater sense of environmental stewardship among youth.

As of October, 2009, Eco-Schools is currently being implemented by 46 delegations in 43 countries around the world, involving 27,000 schools, 6 million students, 400,000 teachers and 4,000 local authorities.

The Eco-Schools program is designed in a way that:

• Improves academic performance, especially in science and math
• Leads to financial savings for schools
• Decreases the school’s carbon footprint through practical solutions that reduce energy and water consumption
• Reduces school waste and conserves natural resources
• Encourages student environmental awareness and stewardship
• Increases parental involvement
• Helps students and teachers develop stronger relationships with their communities
• Develops national and international links

If you (see participant categories here) would like to become part of SPMA’s Environmental Committee, the formation of which constitutes  Step 1 of the Seven Steps toward becoming an Eco-School, please contact Carla Golden here. We will have our first organizational meeting in January 2010.

Thank you!