Eco-Schools is an inclusive programme which can be adapted to any social and cultural background.

Several Eco-Schools Themes promote improved nutrition and sustainable food production. Many schools have gardens to teach sustainable growing techniques, local food products and the importance of biodiversity in agriculture.

The Health & Wellbeing Theme promotes the health and wellbeing of students and the wider community and makes environmental connections to health and safety.

The Eco-Schools methodology is a powerful tool for providing quality education for sustainable development at all school levels. Its whole institutional approach ensures an inclusive implementation throughout the whole kindergarten, school or campus, and the involvement of all children and students.

The implementation of the Eco-Schools programme also works towards the achievement of gender equality by giving all students and teachers the equal right to participate in the Eco-Schools Committee and the activities which are related to the Eco-Schools programme.

Within the Eco-Schools programme students are being sensitised to the sustainable use of water and sanitation. The Theme Water especially focuses on this issue by providing an introduction to the importance of water both locally and globally and by raising awareness of how simple actions can substantially cut down water use.

The Eco-Schools programme promotes energy saving initiatives and innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption within the schools, within students’ and teachers’ homes, as well as within the wider community. All members of the school work together to increase the awareness of energy issues and to improve the energy efficiency within the school. Furthermore, the students learn how to save energy at home.

The Eco-Schools programme promotes and fosters a deep understanding for sustainability issues among students which are also of increasing importance in the working environment. Through the implementation of the programme students learn how to take leadership in sustainability development and to find sustainable solutions. Their knowledge and experiences gained through the Eco-Schools programme can further on arouse their interest in employments related to sustainability issues and broaden their opportunities on the labour market.

Through the implementation of the Eco-Schools programme innovation in sustainable development is enhanced within the education sector. Especially EcoCampus provides a framework for scientific research in sustainable innovations and practices.

Eco-Schools is a global programme, allowing the adaption to national and local cultures and contexts. To date, 67 countries on six continents have joined the programme, and the international coordination of Eco- Schools is continuously encouraging new countries to participate in the programme in order to widen the network and to give access to education for sustainable development to all.

By integrating Themes such as Sustainable Living, Waste Management and Responsible Consumption into the curriculum, students learn how to reduce the environmental impact of their schools as well as of their personal lifestyles. Through the fostering of responsible behaviour within the school environment, students will also learn how to value and protect the cultural and natural heritage in their countries, as well as abroad.

The Eco-Schools programme supports responsible consumption and production through many of its Themes. Students are encouraged to reflect on their consumption habits and develop ideas and solutions for a more sustainable use of resources. Furthermore, education on recycling and the reduction of waste are integral parts of the Eco-Schools programme. Through the Litter Less Campaign which is a joint initiative of The Wrigley Company Foundation and FEE students are educated about litter encouraging a long-term behavioural change.

Many of the countries running the Eco-Schools programme help schools and communities build Climate Change resilience. Examples of school activities include projects for rainwater harvesting, soil stabilisation, food production, sanitation, and waste management amongst many other.

Marine litter and the exploitation of the oceans are two of the most urgent matters of the twenty-first century, which is why one of Eco- Schools Themes is especially based on marine and coastal environments. Students learn about the sources of marine litter and its negative effects on the marine flora and fauna. Furthermore, the importance of using the oceans’ resources responsibly is communicated to the students.

The Eco-Schools programme promotes the protection, restoration and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems through many different activities developed and implemented by the Eco Committee and the pupils. The Great Plant Hunt, a joint initiative of Toyota Motor Europe and FEE, is a special campaign which focuses on biodiversity with a particular emphasis on plants and their associated species. It aims to educate students about biodiversity, its importance and encourage them to take positive action.

Justice and democratic values are integral elements of the Eco-Schools programme. Through the Eco Committee the pupils learn how democratic decision-making works and how to respect the views and opinion of others.

Through Education for Sustainable Development the Sustainable Development Goals are implemented within the Eco-Schools network worldwide. Nationally and internationally the programme cooperates with institutional and corporate partners to develop new projects and to support initiatives that also help towards sustainable development.