Green-Schools at Elphin Community College
Small Actions. Big Impact.
Elphin Community College is proud to be part of the Green-Schools programme and to have achieved four Green Flags since beginning our Green-Schools journey.
Green-Schools gives students the opportunity to take real action on environmental issues, promote sustainability and help make our school and local community a greener place to learn, work and grow.
What is Green-Schools?
Green-Schools is Ireland’s leading environmental management and award programme for schools. It promotes long-term, whole-school action for the environment and is a student-led programme involving students, staff and the wider community.
The programme is operated and coordinated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce. Through Green-Schools, students learn that local actions can make a real difference to our school, our community and our planet.
Why Green-Schools Matters
Green-Schools helps students to become active citizens who care about the world around them. It encourages young people to notice problems, suggest solutions, lead campaigns and take positive action.
- It gives students a voice in environmental action.
- It helps our school reduce waste, save energy and protect resources.
- It supports biodiversity and care for the natural environment.
- It encourages healthier and more sustainable travel choices.
- It links local action with global issues such as climate change and sustainability.
- It helps students develop teamwork, leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
Our Green Flags
Elphin Community College has proudly achieved four Green Flags through our work on the Green-Schools programme. Each flag represents student commitment, teamwork and practical action to improve our school environment.
Flag 1
Building awareness and taking action to improve our school environment.
Flag 2
Continuing our Green-Schools journey through teamwork and whole-school involvement.
Flag 3
Strengthening student leadership and promoting long-term environmental action.
Flag 4
Celebrating continued progress and commitment to sustainability at Elphin Community College.
Green-Schools Themes
The Green-Schools programme includes a range of themes. Schools work through themes over time, building on previous achievements and continuing to promote environmental awareness and action.
Litter & Waste
Taking responsibility for reducing litter, improving recycling and preventing waste in school.
Energy
Raising awareness of energy use and finding ways to reduce energy waste.
Water
Learning about water conservation and how we can protect this important resource.
Travel
Encouraging safer, healthier and more sustainable ways to travel to school.
Biodiversity
Protecting native plants, animals and habitats and increasing awareness of nature around us.
Global Citizenship
Connecting local environmental action with global issues, including sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals.
What Students Can Do
Green-Schools works best when students lead the way. Students can get involved in many practical ways throughout the school year.
- Join or support the Green-Schools Committee.
- Help organise awareness campaigns.
- Take part in litter and waste reduction initiatives.
- Support recycling and responsible use of materials.
- Promote biodiversity around the school.
- Encourage walking, cycling, carpooling or other sustainable travel choices where possible.
- Help monitor energy or water use.
- Share ideas for making our school more sustainable.
Green-Schools Committee
The Green-Schools Committee gives students the chance to lead environmental action in the school. Committee members help identify priorities, suggest ideas, organise campaigns and encourage others to make small positive changes.
Students interested in Green-Schools should speak to a teacher, their Year Head, the Student Council or the school office.
Ideas for Green Action at ECC
Examples of Green-Schools actions students can support
| Area |
Possible Actions |
| Litter & Waste |
Promote reusable bottles and lunchboxes, reduce single-use plastics, improve recycling, and organise litter awareness campaigns. |
| Energy |
Encourage lights and devices to be switched off when not needed, raise awareness of energy use, and promote energy-saving habits. |
| Water |
Encourage careful use of water, report leaks, and raise awareness of water conservation. |
| Biodiversity |
Support planting, pollinator-friendly areas, habitat awareness, outdoor learning and care for green spaces. |
| Travel |
Promote safe, active and sustainable travel choices where possible, including walking, cycling, carpooling and public transport. |
| Global Citizenship |
Link local action with global issues such as climate change, responsible consumption, environmental justice and sustainability. |
Our Green-Schools Message
Every student can make a difference. Turning off a light, reducing waste, planting for pollinators, choosing a reusable bottle or encouraging others to care for the environment may seem like small actions, but together they help create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable school.
Green-Schools reminds us that environmental action is not just something we learn about — it is something we do.
Useful Green-Schools Links
Need More Information?
Students, parents or guardians who would like to find out more about Green-Schools at Elphin Community College can contact the school office.
Email: info.elphin@gretb.ie
Phone: 071 9635031
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