Eco-Communities

We believe that Eco-Schools can play a huge role in inspiring sustainable living – in their school and in their wider community.

Eco-Schools England and Worcestershire County Council's Learning for Sustainability team worked in partnership to develop an Eco-Communities approach and test this with 16 schools in north Worcestershire in 2010-11.

An Eco-Communities approach involves schools enhancing project work on themes like Energy and Waste reduction, by developing stronger links to:

• School curriculum
• Pupils' families – for example, through Eco-Homes projects and events
• Community partners – other schools, Eco-Centres, community groups

We found that an Eco-Communities approach can providing meaningful and enjoyable experiences for pupils, with the added benefit of engaging local communities in becoming more sustainable.

You can download the Eco-Communities pilot project report to find out more.

You can find out more about Worcestershire County Council's Learning for Sustainability (LfS) Strategy and key projects via the LfS area of the county council's website.

Check back here soon as we will updating this new page regularly with more guidance and resources to support Eco-Communities.

Eco-Centres

Eco-Centres is a sister award to the Eco-Schools programme, and both sit together as Eco-Communities. The Eco-Centres Award programme is aimed primarily at community and public buildings, but because the programme can be adapted to suit different settings, almost any organisation can join.

We would encourage every Eco-School to reach out to the wider community this year and help spread the good work you are doing. Helping a local building become an Eco-Centre will also count towards the Eco-Schools Green Flag as it demonstrates how the school is reaching out to the wider community . Download the factsheet for more information.

Eco-Homes

Eco-Homes is our very first bespoke Green Flag project, so if you are hoping to achieve the Green Flag Award in the next year but wondering how you might do that Eco-Homes could be the answer you are looking for. Find out more about the Eco-Homes programme and download the resources.

Resources & Ideas

• Live UnLtd are offering a fantastic opportunity for young people aged 11-21 who want to create positive change in their community. Have you got an Eco-Communities project idea that this funding could help you could take forward?

Awards are up to £5000 (£1500 on average) to develop their idea, alongside support from a dedicated Live UnLtd team member. You can visit the Live UnLtd website to find out more.