Source: Green schools initiative helps kids protect the environment, businessandleadership.com

By Shane Hulgraine

A new Green Schools programme has been launched that teaches children the importance of conserving and protecting our environment.

HSBC and the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has launched the second year of the three-year global programme, Eco Schools – known as Green Schools in Ireland.

The programme, backed by a financial commitment from HSBC of $2.5m (around €1.7m), teaches five to 18-year-olds about protecting the environment.

The HSBC Eco-Schools Climate Initiative programme was launched by pupils from St Mary’s Star of the Sea National School, Sandymount, Dublin, and students from two schools in the United Arab Emirates via a live video conference at HSBC Ireland’s offices.

Tackling climate change

The work completed by schools that took part – from Russia, Japan, France, Malta and England  -was shared with each respective country to achieve the goal of tackling climate change.

The programme encourages schools to enhance their local surroundings, save money and reduce their carbon footprint through the efforts of children, staff and volunteers. Eco-Schools are recognised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and schools can also work towards attaining Green Flag status, managed by An Taisce.

Patricia Oliver, director of education, An Taisce, described the climate initiative as “an excellent way for schools to reduce their carbon footprints and carbon emissions and lead the way in tackling climate change”.

Simon Wainwright, chief executive of HSBC Ireland added: “It is important we equip our children with the knowledge to understand the challenges and the ability to make informed decisions about climate change.”

TheHSBC Eco-Schools Climate Initiative, which aims to see 100,000 children in its first 3 academic years, will see HSBC staff in 18 countries work with schools to address a variety of environmental themes ranging from energy, transport and waste to water and biodiversity in relation to climate change.

Countries currently involved include:
- Brazil
- China
- England
- France
- Ireland
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Malta
- New Zealand
- Northern Ireland
- Poland
- Russia
- Slovakia
- South Africa
- United Arab Emirate
- United States
- Wales