Introduction to the
Ontario EcoSchools Program
[email protected]
www.ontarioecoschools.org
@ON_EcoSchools
facebook.com/OntarioEcoSchools
Background
Ontario EcoSchools is:
• An environmental education and
certification program for grades K-12
• Helps school communities develop
both ecological literacy and
environmental practices to become
environmentally responsible citizens
and reduce the ecological footprint of
schools
• Focused on both student learning and
school operations
Alignment with the Ministry of Education Objectives
Ontario EcoSchools is an implementation of the recommendations of
the Bondar Report and the strategies outlined in Ontario’s
environmental education policy documents.
Recommendations
Strategies
Implementation
Number of Certified Schools
2003-2014
53 participating school boards
The 6 Sections of Ontario EcoSchools
Energy
Conservation
Teamwork &
Leadership
Curriculum
Waste
Minimization
Environmental
Stewardship
School Ground
Greening
EcoSchools Resources
Program
Guides
Curriculum
Resources
Online Certification
http://certapp.ontarioecoschools.org
Program Guides
• Prioritize student engagement
• Focus initiatives
• Practical, do-able
• Board-wide or school-wide
• Adaptable to board’s capacity,
priorities, policies
The Five-Step Process
Step 1: Establish an EcoTeam
Strive for diverse representation including students from 3 or more grades,
teachers, principal, custodial staff and parents
The Five-Step Process
Step 2: Conduct the EcoReviews
EcoTeam tours the school to take a snapshot of practices and to identify
gaps and opportunities.
Step 2: Conduct The EcoReview
What is an EcoReview?
• For Energy Conservation and Waste
Minimization sections
• Self-assessment: level 0 to 4
• An overview of environmental
practices at the school
• Generates information for the
creation of an action plan (Step 3)
• A key element of certification
• A follow-up EcoReview should take
place at least three months after the
initial EcoReview
The Five-Step Process
Step 3: Develop the Action Plan
EcoReview (Step 2)
Action Plan (Step 3)
The Five-Step Process
Step 4: Implement the Action Plan
Small steps lead to big results
The Five-Step Process
Step 5: Monitor and Evaluate Progress
Conduct the Follow-Up EcoReview
• Takes place at least three months after the
initial EcoReview
• Gives the EcoTeam an opportunity to
evaluate the progress that the school has
made since the establishment and
implementation of the action plan.
• A key element for certification (deadline:
April 30th)
• The results of the Follow-Up EcoReview
are awarded points in the certification
program
Communicate results and celebrate success
EcoSchools Certification
• Annual certification process which
recognizes schools for their achievements
during the current school year
• Points awarded based on accomplishments
(not the quantity of change) within the
school year
• Program encourages learning and action
within the student’s sphere of influence
• Supports schools who wish to start small and
build their program over time
EcoSchools Certification
Teamwork and Leadership
Energy Conservation
Waste Minimization
School Ground Greening
Curriculum
Environmental Stewardship
Advantages of the Ontario EcoSchools Program
• The students cultivate active citizenship skills and life habits
that reinforce their environmental learning.
• The school community unites in its conservation efforts
and, quite often, what is learned in the school gets brought
home and put into action.
• The teaching staff has access to the support of other
colleagues province-wide and the Ontario EcoSchools
team.
Advantages of the Ontario EcoSchools Program
• Environmental practices in the school can translate to a
reduction of the school’s ecological footprint and to a
reduction in operating costs.
• Certification offers schools an opportunity to be visibly
recognized in the community and across the province for
their environmental efforts.
How Can You Help?
Submit an environmental lesson that you conducted in your class
along with one copy of one student’s completed work
Conduct a whole-school waste audit investigating the contents of
waste and recycling with a group of students or your class
Help students/EcoTeam conduct the EcoReviews
Support students in organizing a school-wide environmental
campaign such as Earth Hour
Participate in or organize a school ground greening project.
Stay Connected
Get the news, stories, and examples of best practices by:
• Signing up for our e-newsletter (www.ontarioecoschools.org)
• Following Ontario EcoSchools on Twitter: @ON_EcoSchools
• Like Ontario EcoSchools on Facebook:
facebook.com/OntarioEcoSchools
Thank You!
If you have questions, you can
contact:
• Your EcoTeam Lead
• Your EcoSchools School Board
Representative
• Ontario EcoSchools