What is Eco-Schools?

Eco-Schools is the global movement of schools committed to sustainability. In the Netherlands, the programme is designed for both primary and secondary education. A number of vocational education (MBO) locations and a special education (VSO) school also participate.

Using seven steps, students assess their school and take action! For example, by saving energy, reducing waste, or making the school grounds greener. Along the way, they discover their own values, interests, and talents. This helps make sustainable thinking and action a natural part of everyday life. As the ultimate achievement, schools can earn the international certification for sustainable schools: the Green Flag.

The Eco-Schools philosophy 

At the heart of Eco-Schools are the students. They are therefore at the core of the Eco-Team: a group of students who work to make their school more sustainable from within. Together, they put the Eco-Schools motto into practice: student-led change. They are supported by adults, such as teachers and school leadership. Others both within and outside the school can also be involved. The Eco-Schools philosophy is based on five pillars: 

1. Students take center stage (students first)
2. The school always takes sustainable steps - large or small (process)
3. Sustainability has a permanent place in education (education)
4. Sustainability is visible in the building and the surroundings (building)
5. Everyone in and around the school participates (community)

 How we support you

Toolkit You will have access to a toolkit full of practical tools and resources to work on sustainability together with students, tailored to different themes and educational levels	Eco-Schools mentor A trained regional mentor is available to support you, offering guidance throughout the process and helping you take meaningful steps towards sustainability.	Knowledge and inpiration Eco-Schools shares knowledge, best practices, and inspiration from real-life experiences, enabling schools to learn from one another and discover new ideas.
Events Every year, we organise various networking events, such as the sustainability festival, created for and by students, teachers, school leaders, and supporters.	Audits During the process, you can request audits to review and assess the sustainability steps your school has taken. You will receive a report outlining your progress, along with tips for the next steps.	International network As an Eco-School, you become part of a large international network of sustainable schools. You can connect with Eco-Schools abroad to collaborate on (student exchange) projects.

The Green Flag: international certification for sustainable schools

We see sustainable development not as a final destination, but as an ongoing journey of discovery that we embark on together. Schools that work on the five Eco-Schools pillars are eligible to receive the Green Flag, the international certification for sustainable schools.

Raising the flag is a moment to celebrate! Students and teachers take centre stage, while parents, the local community, and local organisations join in the celebrations. It takes approximately two years to earn the Green Flag. To retain the Green Flag, the school continues to develop its sustainability efforts, with a new audit taking place every two years.