Topics

There are Eleven Topics in the Eco-Schools Scotland programme.

You should plan action on Climate Action and two other topics of your choice carrying out at least three actions for each topic. We also require you to submit evidence of one litter pick or survey for your Green Flag.

Click on the topics below to find out more.

Climate Action

Climate Action is our core topic and must be one of the three Topics covered in order to achieve a Green Flag Award. This topic covers learning about climate change and its effects, as well as taking actions that help reduce your carbon footprint.

Litter & Waste

The Litter & Waste Topic can help you take action on litter in your school grounds and community, as well as carry out waste minimisation actions such as recycling and composting. You need to carry out one litter pick or survey per year as part of your Green Flag application.

Biodiversity

We can all support Biodiversity by encouraging wildlife and habitats, supporting conservation and connecting to nature through our senses. Focussing on this Topic can help you encourage healthy ecosystems.

Energy

Energy is something we all use every day but is a resource we need to use carefully. This Topic can give you a focus to understand where energy comes from, which sources are sustainable and how to make sure we don’t waste energy.

Food & the Environment

The Food & the Environment Topic can help you to understand where food comes from and the importance of choosing food that is healthy for us and for the planet.

Health & Wellbeing

Our Health & Wellbeing Topic covers all aspects of health, both physical and mental. Here you could explore how connecting with nature can improve wellbeing, how pollution can affect our health and how to spot ‘disinformation’ online.

Global Citizenship

The Global Citizenship Topic can include work on other initiatives like Fairtrade Schools, and Rights Respecting Schools. You could explore climate justice and how people globally are effected by climate change, or you might like to tell us about any fundraising projects for charities, foodbank donations or charitable recycling.

Heritage

Heritage is all around us. It is the people, places, objects and traditions that help us understand who we are and where we come from. This Topic can help you learn about how climate change may be affecting your heritage as well as celebrate the local and global heritage in your school and community.

School Grounds

The easiest first step to taking pupils outdoors is in your own School Grounds. With this Topic you can think about how much time you spend outdoors and how you can make your school grounds a better place for learning and play.

Transport

Transport choices make a significant difference to global carbon emissions. Through the Transport Topic you can learn about vehicle emissions and pollution, sustainable transport choices and road safety.

Water

In Scotland we use Water for drinking and washing, for farming and for making almost everything you could think of. This Topic can help you understand the importance of water, why we should use only what we need, and how we can keep water clean for people and for the environment.