The Eco Schools programme and Ecological Footprinting
Ecological Footprinting complements the Eco Schools programme. To calculate the school’s Ecological Footprint six main areas of impact on the planet are looked at:
- Waste
- Energy
- Water
- Transport
- Food
- Buildings.
These correspond well with many Eco Schools themes.
Image credit: Eco Schools / Dunino Primary School.
The Eco Schools Programme requires schools to undertake:
Environmental Review
Your school should audit the current situation, measuring each of the main areas of impact and calculating the school’s Ecological Footprint.
Action Plans
Looking at the relative value of each component of the school’s Ecological Footprint will help pupils in developing and prioritising your school’s Eco Schools Action Plan.
- Which is the largest component of the overall Ecological Footprint?
- How can this impact be reduced?
- What direct actions will make a real difference and help reduce the School’s Ecological Footprint?
- What clear realistic targets can be set for next year?
The Action Plans will demonstrate a programme of change that will improve the whole school’s Ecological Footprint.
Monitoring action and evaluating progress
Review of the Ecological Footprint after a period of time will allow pupils to monitor whether their targets have been achieved and revise their Action Plans.