Green flag eco

Our students have once again been awarded a prestigious Eco-Schools’ Green Flag, recognising their exceptional work in promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness amongst their peers.

The Eco-Schools programme, established in 1994, is now implemented in over 70 countries worldwide. In 2023-24, more than 1.4 million pupils attended an Eco-School in England. The programme follows a tried-and-trusted seven-step framework, that encourages young people to explore a variety of environmental issues before spearheading environmental action in their school and local community.

The LAE’s student-run Eco Network meets regularly, with students organising events, raising awareness through talks and social media, and meeting with the LAE’s senior leadership team to make lasting changes that will positively impact the whole school community.

This year, students impressively built on their efforts by focusing on three key areas: global citizenship, healthy living, and waste. The Eco-Network successfully delivered a diverse range of activities including visiting the Villars Institute in Switzerland, introducing more plant-based school lunch options including Meat-Free Mondays, and hosting a fashion swap to encourage their peers to reuse before buying new.

As well as these activities, they have thoroughly embedded a green ethos into school life. As such, the LAE was awarded its third Eco-Schools Green Flag, for this first time with a Merit. The Eco-Schools programme was particularly impressed this year by the LAE’s engagement in political aspects of environmental action, including a visit to the House of Lords to advise on electric vehicle policy.

Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, said: ‘The Eco-Schools’ Green Flag is an international benchmark that demonstrates a commitment to fighting climate change and high standard of sustainable practice. Students and staff who earn this award deserve recognition for their dedication toward protecting our planet. Every day, they demonstrate that each of us can contribute to making our planet a better, more sustainable, place.’

The LAE Eco Network is delighted to have achieved this recognition once again. Students are looking forward to continuing their work to raise environmental awareness and promote healthy, sustainable changes at the LAE.

To learn more about Eco-Schools head to www.eco-schools.org.uk