For the first time, Toyota retailers will be involved in the work carried out by their local Eco-Schools. The retailers will work together with the schools to develop and implement innovative environmental projects in their local communities. Because of the close link between existing Toyota retailer initiatives to save energy and the goals of the Eco-School programme, the theme of the 2007-2009 cycle, “Climate Change: Let’s Save Energy,” will be used again in this cycle.
The pilot project will be run in Slovenia and Denmark. At the end of the school year, the best projects at the national and international level will be recognised with grants. Environment and Innovation is a project that encourages Eco-Schools to develop innovative and creative solutions to environmental problems. Winning entries receive a grant to help them put their ideas into action and to work with the local community to tackle environment-related issues.
The project was established in 2005 by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and the international Eco-Schools Programme. Environment and Innovation is supported by Toyota Motor Europe through the Toyota Fund for Europe (TFfE).
This will be the third cycle of the Environment and Innovation project. The first cycle was run between 2005 and 2007 with the theme “Sustainable Mobility”. This cycle included schools in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and Northern Island. For more information on this cycle see: http://www.eco-schools.org/innovation/ The second cycle ran between 2007 and 2009 with the theme “Climate Change: Let’s Save Energy”. Schools in Demark, Finland, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Turkey participated. For more information see http://www.eco-schools.org/innovation2008/index.php.
The Eco-Schools methodology includes seven steps that any school can adopt. The process involves a wide range of stakeholders, but pupils play the central role. After a period of participation, an evaluation of the success of these initiatives and the methodology is undertaken, and the Eco-Schools programme for each school is assessed. Successful Eco-Schools are awarded the Green Flag, an internationally acknowledged symbol of environmental excellence. For more information, visit www.eco-schools.org.
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is an international organisation that has promoted environmental education for sustainable development since 1981. FEE is an umbrella organisation with members in more than 60 countries around the world. FEE is active in environmental education mainly through five programmes: Blue Flag, Eco-Schools, Young Reporters for the Environment, Learning about Forests and Green Key. More information about FEE and its programmes can be found at www.fee-international.org.
The Toyota Fund for Europe (TFfE) was created in 2002 to enhance corporate citizenship through social contributions in Europe. TFfE supports projects in three areas directly linked to Toyota’s core business:
- Environmental awareness
- Technical education
- Road safety
TFfE encourages the development of cooperative partnerships between NGOs and Toyota companies throughout Europe. Today, environmental education for children and youth is one of the most important and active areas of focus for TFfE. For more information visit www.toyotafund.eu.
Contact Details
Eco-Schools International Coordinator
Ms. Estela Gonçalves Pereira
Eco-Schools International Coordination
c/o Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa/FEE Portugal
Ed. Vasco da Gama
R. General Gomes Araujo, Bloco C Piso I, sala 1.26 / 1.27,
1350-355 Lisbon
Portugal
Tel: +351 21 394 27 40
Fax: +351 21 394 27 49
coordination@eco-schools.org
www.eco-schools.org
