Local schools have a very important role in helping to develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve a more sustainable borough. Schools can also help to reduce the borough's carbon emissions through good environmental management of their own buildings, grounds, equipment and people.
Schools in Wigan borough have a strong record on sustainability (which is part of the National Curriculum). The borough regularly tops the national tables for the number of schools participating in the international Eco-schools programme (external link) and winning Green Flag awards. The Eco-schools programme helps schools to focus on nine key environmental topics and to share their good practice.
The Council’s Environmental Education Team provides practical help to all schools in the borough, whether they are following the Eco-schools programme or working in other ways to pursue sustainable schools (external link).
Schools also receive help with their sustainability teaching, practical environmental projects and sustainable school management from several other Council teams. These include:
The Council’s also has two Outdoor Education Centres (external link) in Cumbria, both of which have won “Eco-centre” awards and also promote sustainable lifestyles and learning.
