Sustainable School Project

'Greening' the School

Aim

To improve the 'quality of life' and the local environment of the Cork School Project by implementing an integrated and inclusive programme of sustainability, environmental awareness and environmental improvement.

Objectives

The project has four primary objectives which are; to increase environmental awareness in the school, to enhance the living environment of the school, to enhance the physical environment of the school, to reduce the environmental 'footprint' of the school.

Methods

Each of these objectives will be addressed through a co-ordinated series of actions which will; involve the students by encouraging project ideas to come FROM the students themselves, encourage indigenous wildlife, fauna and flora, develop and improve the inside and outside 'spaces' of the school, and introduce best available practices in terms of resource use, waste reduction, and energy use.

The selection of the first few projects is crucial as their success or otherwise will influence the longer term development of the programme. So it is planned to start with small easily achievable goals which build confidence and require minimal effort and resources. Larger projects can then be attempted if interest and support grows in the programme.

Example Actions

- Undertake an environmental survey of the school, which would examine how the school is now, and how it might be in the future.

- A wildlife ‘garden’ could be developed which might include, native wild plants, birdtables, a wormery, and composting.

- A yard plan could be produced which might include; a quiet sheltered seating area, wall sculptures, a water feature, and a sundial.

- The inner space of the school could be examined in terms of colour schemes, textures, choice of materials and smells (aromas!).

- The 'material cycle' could be evaluated by measuring paper and art material usage, the source of these materials, the use of 'natural' materials, waste separation, recycling and disposal.

- A local history study using the resources of the Vision Centre to explore the school and it's surroundings through the passage of time. (What lies beneath the playground!)

- Develop a backyard style organic garden by use of hanging baskets, tubs, planters, windows sills to produce salad items for use in school lunches, or sale to parents.

- Examine the energy use in the school for space and water heating and lighting, and explore ways of reducing the total use.

Parental Help

Each of these actions will run for a short period (a few months at most) and will require help from parents, guardians or friends to succeed.

If you are interested in any aspect of the project, and would be willing to help in any way, either by sharing skills and experience that you have, or by working directly on the actions themselves, please fill in the form below and return to the school.

If you require more information please feel free to contact either Chris Gibbons 021-311803, or Teresa Connolly.

All ideas / suggestions are most welcome from students, teachers, parents, guardians and friends.

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Name ________________________ Phone _________________

Address _____________________________________________

Areas of interest (please tick as many as you like!)

Environment___ Energy _____Waste Recycling ____

Art / Sculpture ____Interior Design ____ Aromatherapy _____ Decorating _______ Carpentry ___ Construction _____

Architecture ____ Local History _______

Wildlife Gardens__ Organic Gardening ___

Composting _____ Permaculture ____Landscaping ______

Others _____________________________(please state)

Next: Newsletter / Environment Week