On February 26th and 27th Lifetime Lab hosted the award ceremony of the “Green Schools” programme. Students from over 65 primary, secondary and special schools all over Munster received their “Green Flag” for successfully completing the scheme.Green-Schools, known internationally as Eco-Schools, is an international environmental education programme , environmental management system and award scheme that promotes and acknowledges long-term, whole school action for the environment.Minister for State,Billy Kelleher TD was on hand to present the flags which are proudly be flown at schools all over Ireland.

Green-Schools is a themed programme with schools initially focussing on the theme of Litter & Waste, and working through the seven steps for this theme and applying for the Green-Flag. Once successful, the school moves onto the Energy theme, and then onto the Water theme.Over 2,880 primary, secondary and special schools in Ireland (~ 67% of all Irish schools) are currently taking part in the programme with 201 green Flags being awarded to Munster Schools. The Irish Green-Schools programme is one of the most successful internationally; one of the main factors is the partnership between the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce and Local Authorities.

Further information at www.greenschoolsireland.org

An Taisce - 'The Store House, or Treasury' is The National Trust For Ireland. Its policies reflect a core belief that a high quality environment is central to Ireland achieving a successful and sustainable economy, as well as a high quality of life. This is based on the view that prevention is better than cure, partnership and dialogue are better than conflict and monologue, and strategic planning surpasses reactive expediency.

Congratulations to all the schools (listed below) who received “Green Flags” for 2009 at Lifetime Lab.

 List of schools