WP2 – Green Schools (LEARN) - European Green Schools Council

The Guide of Green Schools

The Green Schools Guide aims to be a methodological and practical guide through which the school population (especially students aged 10-14) will learn what a green school means:
a) rehabilitated/renovated/modernized or new infrastructure, according to the specific regulations and premises established for a green building;
b) integration into the curriculum and extracurricular activities of the schools of elements of education for sustainable development/ecological education;
c) inclusion, in the school's management documents and associated practices, of measures that reflect the emphasis placed on the „green“ aspect of the school, including from the perspective of digitalization of processes and content;
d) opening the school to the community, including through the development of partnerships/collaborations/cooperation with relevant community actors, in the area of environmental protection and sustainable development

Energy efficiency

Schools usually have a high level of energy consumption due to their considerable heating requirements and high electricity usage for lighting and equipment. Investment in building and technology, as well as more conscious user behaviour, can lead to considerable energy savings. Therefore, schools are ideal teaching grounds for the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Recycling

Recycling in school teaches students good habits they can practice at home and use for a lifetime. Through reducing waste and recycling, students gain an understanding about their responsibility to the environment and learn that they can make a significant difference through their actions to keep our land, air and water clean.

Aesthetics and ecology of classrooms

The classroom is far more than a place where lessons are taught. It is a living environment that directly influences students’ emotions, motivation, behaviour, and ability to learn. A well-designed classroom that combines aesthetic value with ecological awareness has a big impact of students’ well-being, engagement, and academic success.

Healthy lifestyle

The promotion of healthy habits and lifestyles in the school context constitutes a central axis of contemporary education, assuming itself as an essential condition for the integral development of children and young people. As a key setting for learning and socialising, schools play a vital role not only in academic achievement but also in shaping the attitudes, values, and behaviours that influence health throughout a person's life.

Sustainable water consumption

Efficient water management in schools plays a vital role in building sustainable, cost-effective learning environments. When schools take steps to manage their water use effectively, the benefits ripple far beyond the utility bill. Improved efficiency helps districts reinvest savings into educational programs, reduces the environmental footprint of school operations, and sets a powerful example for students about responsible resource management. By conserving water, schools demonstrate leadership in sustainability and help preserve the communities they serve for generations to come.

Biodiversity

Teaching students about biodiversity (the variety of living things) in high school is really important. It's not just about memorizing the names of plants and animals, but about understanding how we all depend on a healthy natural world. It's about preparing young people for the big environmental challenges of our time.