Introduction
Sustainable School Project - Green Flag Programme
During the summer of 1999, a group of parents and teachers at the school began discussing the options to improve the physical environment of the school, it soon became apparent that this process would be best undertaken in conjunction with an overall increase in environmental awareness in the school community. A number of existing programmes were considered, and it was decided, following detailed discussions with the Corporation, to enlist to the Green Flag Programme, whilst at the same time pursuing other objectives which were outside of the existing remit of this programme. (eg. Energy usage, gardens and grounds development, interior environmental improvement, linkage with local community). A joint parent/ guardian - teacher committee was formed, which has met regularly since Autumn 1999, has minuted meetings, a budget, and co-ordinates all the separate project activities.
The focus during the first few months of the groups existence has been :
Waste reduction - by undertaking an awareness campaign, and introducing the wormery (funded by a generous grant from the Cork Corporation) which will when fully operating recycle all of the organic and most of the paper waste of the school.
Gardens and grounds improvement - the school has no 'green' or grassed areas, so a staged development of backyard-style garden features has been started, using planters, pots, window boxes, and the planting of an indigenous Millenium tree i n the school yard. It is hoped to add covered seating, water features, wind mobiles and more mosaics in the coming year.
Sustainable resource - a review of the school consumption of classroom and office materials has been started, and a cost analysis of environmentally friendly resources is to be completed.
Energy usage - a preliminary energy audit of the school has been completed, and a more detailed energy measurement programme is to be initiated shortly. It is planned to introduce low energy light fittings into one classroom on a trial basis, and thermostatic control valves on radiators as required. Possible use of solar energy is also to be considered.
Future projects which are at the planning stage include :
Textile recycling project - by collecting waste cotton clothing from the children, which will then be shredded, it will be able for the children to use the recycled material to weave wall-hangings and rag rugs for display in the school. A related project will see a sheep's fleece being brought to the school and fully processed through to finished knitted items produced by the children.
Interior Improvement - the requirement for the interior of the school to be redecorated has provided the opportunity for the consideration of the use of naturally based paints and furnishings for the school, to replace the use of synthetic oil based products. The importance of colour on children's behaviour and the learning environment will also be evaluated. An extension of this project will consider the possible use of aromatherapy in the school.
An environmental audit is to be undertaken of the school by the children themselves, once it is felt that they have sufficient understanding of what is required by such an exercise. The future objectives of the sustainable school project will be based on the findings of this work.
The project has caused great interest and curiousity in the school, amongst both the children and the adults, with as many questions being raised as have been answered as to what sustainable means.
All of the outcomes of the project will be added to the school website, to be shared with others both inside and outside of the educational field. Links are to be further developed to other environmental projects, notably the Green Schools programme, which we do not as yet have access to, but hope to be able to fully co-operate in, in the near future. We feel that in the very short time that we have been involved in the Green Flag programme, that we have come a long way to fulfilling the objectives of the exercise, and plan to continue and greatly extend environmental and sustainability awareness and understanding in the school community in the years ahead.
Chris Gibbons - Chair - Sustainable School Project May 2000.
Next: Sustainable School Leaflet
Submissions
regarding the project are most welcome. Use this link: cspadmin.ias@eircom.ie
