Northern Irish schools told to green up their act

Schools and Universities in Northern Ireland are being offered new guidance to help them reduce their environmental impact.

Recent research found that schools and universities in Northern Ireland use 744 million KWh of energy every year, costing £36.5 million and pumping 164,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

In an attempt to reduce this, The Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland has published a new guidance pack for educational establishments, containing information on environment law and good practice, and tips about pollution prevention and control permits for laboratories. It also contains advice on green procurement practices for halls of residence, and green tips for on-campus caterers.

The government is aiming the advice at headteachers, grounds managers, school cleaners, and school laboratory workers.

Arlene Foster, Environment Minister for Northern Ireland said that she is “delighted” to see this new environmental guidance. She added that “While our schools and universities can have an impact on the environment, they also have a great influence on the behaviour and attitudes of our society.

“By acting as an example of environmental excellence, the education sector in Northern Ireland can encourage sustainable development in the wider community at the local, regional and global level.”