Eco-Schools, the largest sustainable schools programme in the world, offers multiple self-accredited awards to work through. The Eco-Schools Green Flag, the highest accolade, is an internationally recognised award for excellence in environmental action and learning.
The School’s environmental awareness and work towards Green Flag status is driven by an elected Eco-Committee of students (the DECOs) who work with our Environmental Awareness Co-ordinator, Mrs Phillips-Morgan, a teacher of History and Politics. This team works with the wider staff and student community to enact meaningful and long-lasting change to make Downe House a more sustainable and eco-friendly school. This work includes initiatives such as ‘Meat-Free Monday’, auditing current practices, evidencing environmental awareness in the curriculum, reducing single-use plastic around School and inspiring personal change, not to mention securing donations for local wildlife charities.
Mrs Phillips-Morgan responded to the good news:
“Being awarded the Green Flag is a wonderful achievement not only for our DECOs and Staff Eco Committee, but for the whole school community. It is in recognition of the efforts that everyone has made over the last year to become more environmentally conscious and reflects the positive collaborations that have been taking place across so many departments to reach the same goal. l look forward to what the future holds for Downe House as we continue to make positive changes to improve our environmental impact and create global-ready citizens!”
Abigail, a Remove member of the DECOs, added, “This is in recognition of all our efforts to become more sustainable in our three eco topic areas of Energy, Waste and Transport. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their help in achieving the Green Flag. We will be continuing to focus on these three topics this year so watch this space.”
The DECOs rose to the challenge of continuing the School’s environmental awareness campaign during Digital Downe House, encouraging the whole community to get involved at home with events like World Environment Day. Karyn Fullerton, Eco-Schools Delivery Officer, noted, “I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you for continuing to work on your Eco-Schools Green Flag during these unprecedented times – it is a true reflection of your school’s determination to make a real difference.”
There is always more to be done around environmental awareness and the DECOs already have grand plans moving forward from their success. The School will be taking part in the national Switch off Fortnight campaign later in November which will be celebrating saving energy.
But for now, this is a moment to reflect on the inspiring work of many within our School community, and a chance to say a huge well done to last year’s Eco-Committee for driving change and keeping environmental awareness at the top of our agenda. Onwards and upwards!
The best way to find out more about Downe House is to experience it for yourself. Book a personal tour or join us at one of our Open Mornings, available throughout the year.
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