Green Schools
The Green Schools Programme has been in operation in Carrig NS for the past 22 years. During this time we have been awarded 4 Green Flags from An Taisce and are currently working on our 5th flag.
The first theme we explored was Litter and Waste. As part of this theme, we successfully reduced our school waste going to landfill and increased what we as a school recycled. In May 2004 we were awarded our very first green flag!
Next we worked on the theme of Energy consumption. We looked at ways of reducing this and held poster competitions to create a green code to encourage pupils and staff to turn off lights and appliances when not in use. We significantly reduced our energy use and our energy bills! We were awarded our 2nd green flag in May 2006.
The next theme we worked on was Water. Our main aim was to reduce our water use both at home and in school. We monitored our water meter every fortnight and when our new school was being constructed, a huge water harvesting tank was installed under our astro pitch. This tank reuses rainwater in our toilets and taps thus significantly reducing our school’s water use. We also encouraged pupils and staff to save water at home by turning off taps when brushing their teeth. We were awarded our 3rd green flag in May 2019.
In 2020 we started the theme of Travel. We selected a new Green Schools Committee and embarked on a journey of travel, hard work and lots of fun. With the help of Eileen O Sullivan, we held very enjoyable bike and scooter safety workshops. We secured new bike and scooter shelters for our school yard and we noted an overall increase in the number of children walking and cycling to school….long may it continue! We were awarded our 4th green flag in May 2023.
We are so proud of everyone in our school for the part they played in earning the 4 flags and especially our excellent committees….maith sibh!
We are currently working on the theme of Biodiversity and hope to raise our 5th green flag in the near future.
