Green Schools

The Environmental Project Officers, based within Regeneration & Neighbourhoods Department, work with primary and secondary schools and their wider school community, in the planning and delivery of projects which aim to reduce the impact the schools are having on the environment (in particular with regards to waste, water and energy).  The Green Schools initiative aims to raise environmental knowledge and develop skills which promote sustainable living and good citizenship.

One of the key outcomes of the Green Schools initiative is to assist all Hartlepool schools in gaining and maintaining the national 'Eco Schools' standard.  Schools work towards gaining one of three awards: Bronze, Silver and the prestigious Green Flag award.  The Bronze and Silver awards are self assessed and can be applied for online.  The Green Flag is awarded after completion of a form and an assessment by Encams (Environmental Campaigns is the charity which runs the Keep Britain Tidy campaign).

Pupil involvement is a key part of the project.  Having pupils engaged in the whole process, including monitoring, action planning and decision-making, leads to genuine ownership of the project and an increase in their sense of responsibility for the school environment and local area.  The project aims to help children become more effective citizens by encouraging them to take responsibility for the future of their own environment.

Another of the key outcomes of the project is to find inefficiencies within school buildings, which when corrected can lead to better energy efficiency, water conservation and the reduction of waste and, in turn, can make the school significant savings.

If you have any questions that are not answered on this site, please get in touch.  You can contact Joanne Taylor (joanne.taylor@hartlepool.gov.uk) on (01429) 284109.

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