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The International Green Flag

The International Green Flag is a prestigous award, and therefore achieving the Green Flag award requires serious and sustained commitment! However, because of the Seven-Step methodology it is not overwhelming. Many countries insist that schools take part in an introductory workshop on Eco-Schools, so they go in with their eyes open on the level of effort and commitment required.

Please note the International Green Flag Certificate has to be signed by Eco-Schools Global to ensure standardisation.

International Requirements for the Green Flag Assessment

Checklist – Success Criteria

Following are the most elementary criteria for assessing Eco-Schools for the Green Flag, though countries may have additional quantitative, qualitative or procedural requirements. These requirements may be due to government legislation related to the curriculum in countries. Eco-Schools accepts/welcomes/acknowledges/embraces such legislation and includes it in the Seven Step approach in order to make life easy for the people running the programme. These requirements are usually part of the Application for Green Flag under fields like ‘further examples of Education for Sustainable Development work’.

Award Levels

Registered Eco-Schools can be recognised at three levels of achievement: Bronze, Silver and Green Flag. As schools complete pathways following each step of the program’s Seven Step Framework, points accumulate toward an award.

The awards do not need to be achieved in order. Many schools choose to start by working toward a Bronze Award, while others may begin by working toward a Silver or Green Flag award.

Points earned toward a Bronze Award count toward a Silver Award, and points earned for Bronze and Silver awards count toward a Green Flag Award.

Bronze Award

The Bronze Award is the first of three award levels in the Eco-Schools Malaysia programme. For many, this is the first symbol of success in the Eco-Schools Malaysia programme. To be eligible for a Bronze Award, a school must follow the Seven Step Framework to complete at least one theme.

Apply for Bronze

Silver Award

The Silver Award is the second of three award levels in the Eco-Schools USA program. To be eligible for the Silver Award, a school must follow the Seven Step Framework to complete at least two themes. While many schools begin by working on a single pathway to achieve a Bronze Award, a school may elect to begin work toward a Silver Award straight away.

Silver Awards are self-assessed by school applicants. Registered Eco-Schools may submit their self-assessments through their school dashboard to receive the award and download a certificate of recognition.

Apply for Silver

Green Flag Award

The most prestigious of Eco-Schools awards, the Green Flag Award is the third of three award levels in the Eco-Schools USA program. To be eligible for the Green Flag Award, a school must follow the Seven Step Framework to complete at least three themes.

While Bronze and Silver awards are self-assessed, schools must submit their application for a Green Flag Award to be assessed by an Eco-Schools USA program administrator. It is recommended that the award be renewed every two years. A school is considered a permanent Eco-School once it has gained its fourth Green Flag Award, at which point sustainability has been fully woven into the fabric of the school’s culture.

Registered Eco-Schools may submit or renew an application for a Green Flag Award through their school dashboard.

Apply for Green Flag

How Do I Earn an Eco-Schools Award?

Schools must meet a designated set of criteria for each award. (See the award pages above for criteria checklists.) Upon meeting all criteria, a school may submit a self-assessment to gain a Bronze or Silver award, while the Green Flag Award requires an application that must be evaluated by an Eco-Schools Malaysia administrator. Schools are encouraged to continue their sustainability work and apply for additional Green Flag Awards.

The Eco-Schools programme is a self-paced program, but completion of the Seven Step Framework generally requires a full academic year.

Registered Eco-Schools that have met all the criteria for an award may submit their assessment or application here.