Sutton’s schools are leading the way by saving energy and water, encouraging the use of Fair-Trade products and walking to school.
Sutton has the highest sign-up of Eco-Schools scheme in the capital and seventh highest in the entire country.
88% of the Borough’s schools are signed up to the Eco-Schools scheme, which asks schools to form an ‘Eco-Committee’ of enthusiastic pupils to audit their school ground. Schools follow a simple seven-step process which helps them to address a variety of environmental themes, ranging from litter and waste to healthy living and biodiversity.
Eco-Schools launched in this country 15 years ago and is now the largest sustainable schools programme in the world; operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Councillor Wendy Mathys, Chair of the Children, Family and Education Committee at Sutton Council said:
“We believe in being a green council and it is wonderful that so many of our schools have signed up to the Eco-School program. I hope that all our young people will be inspired to take what they learn and set an example at home and in their communities.”
Barrow Hedges Primary School, Carshalton is one of the schools signed up and is now preparing to set-up innovative eco-friendly learning facilities. An eco-lodge for outdoor learning and the installation of solar panels will form part of the school upgrade.
This year, Cheam Park Farm Junior School renewed their Green Flag, the top Eco-Schools award. And Cheam Fields Primary School achieved their first Green Flag after tackling their growing energy bills by installing solar panels, and focusing their efforts on improving their school grounds. Four primary schools have also achieved their silver award.
Assisting schools in achieving Eco-School status is just one of the ways Sutton council is implementing its commitment to One Planet Sutton, a borough where residents have a better quality of life in a way which helps save money and reduce dependence on resources.
More information about Eco-Schools is available at www.eco-schools.org.uk