At the Greater Essex County District School Board one of the ways we show commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship is through our participation in the EcoSchools Canada program. Reflecting on our role in preserving the environment and our duty to protect the planet for current and future generations, the Board will continue to minimize our environmental footprint through ongoing sustainability measures and providing educational learning opportunities.
This innovative, bilingual program is free for publicly funded schools and provides guidance to help educators build sustainable practices. It supports schools in tracking, incentivizing, and celebrating environmental actions that reduce energy use and waste, raise awareness, and integrate environmental learning into the curriculum.
Certification levels
EcoSchools Canada offers a certification program for elementary through secondary schools, nurturing environmental learning and climate action. There are four levels of certification that a school can achieve. When a school becomes a certified EcoSchool, they receive a digital certification seal that reflects their certification level. This seal can be displayed on a school’s website and social media accounts, newsletters, email signatures, and more.
- Bronze: 50-65 points
- Silver: 66-74 points
- Gold: 75-100 points
- Platinum: 101+ points
How it works
Throughout the school year, schools are encouraged to form an EcoTeam and register with EcoSchools Canada. As the year progresses, schools’ complete actions in their online application and earn points towards their certification. These actions include:
- Connect
- Review
- Plan
- Engage
- Reflect
- Celebrate