EcoSchools Certification

TDSB schools have joined with the national EcoSchools Canada certification program.

Please sign-up on their web site each year to participate in EcoSchools: https://app.ecoschools.ca

Schools will continue to receive EcoSchools support, resources, professional learning opportunities and events from TDSB Sustainability central staff.

Questions? Please contact TDSB EcoSchools at EcoSchools@tdsb.on.ca.

Why Certify?

The EcoSchools program is both a framework and a toolbox for taking action and engaging in environmental education. For students, the program provides opportunities for leadership, connection with classmates in different grade levels via peer-to-peer mentorship, and a way to learn about sustainability while having fun.

For teachers, the EcoSchools program integrates seamlessly with curricula across Canada and offers unique opportunities for learning.

Ready, set, certify!

EcoSchools certification represents environmental excellence for kindergarten through grade 12 schools in Canada. Participation in the program allows students, teachers, school administrators, custodians, and parents to get a clear picture of their current environmental practices and take action to reduce their environmental footprint.

Getting Started

Before you begin

Consult with school administrators to understand what kind of support and considerations must be taken into account when running the EcoSchools program at your school. This may include funding opportunities, administrative directives, board/district policies, and permission/approval processes.

Get started!

Recruit an EcoTeam for the school year. This may include students from a range of grades, school staff, or other volunteers such as family members and local organizations.
Convene an initial meeting of your EcoTeam to discuss your EcoSchools program and to set-up regular meetings throughout the year to plan activities and initiatives.
Review the Getting Started action “Certification Questions” and consult with an administrator and/or head custodian for support in locating any required information about your school building or operations. Data questions are used to calculate a school’s overall environmental impact. Be sure to report the proper units of measurement!
Learn more about the land where your school is situated, the history of this land, and how to actively take part in reconciliation by learning about the Indigenous territories, treaties, and/or languages in the area you work, learn, and live.
Review previous EcoSchools applications (if applicable) and actions in the Action Library to make a plan for the school year. Use the School Sustainability Review and the Annual Calendar to help guide your action planning

Tips!

At the core of a strong EcoSchool is an active group of students and adults. A range of grades makes for a well-rounded team, and involving principals, teachers, parents, and custodial staff gives students the support they need to succeed. Review the Get Inspired: Build a Strong EcoTeam document for tips and inspiration on establishing a strong EcoTeam.
When planning activities and initiatives for the year, focus on actions that are important to students, link to classroom curriculum, and/or connect to local issues or regional priorities.
Create an account on the online EcoSchools Certification Application for any student leaders, staff, and/or volunteers who will contribute to updating your online application.

Materials

Get Inspired: Build a Strong EcoTeam
School Sustainability Review: Pre-assessment and Action Planning
Annual Calendar
Certification Guide
How to manage users (adding members to your application)
How to manage your EcoSchools plan (adding and removing actions)

Apply now!

Schools must apply every year for certification/recertification.

Establish your EcoTeam.
Register your school for certification.
Create a plan to spread out actions throughout the year.
Work on completing action cards and uploading documentation.
Complete and submit the online application by deadline.

The UN's Social Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals and Education: Why merge the two?

In order to assure a "sustainable, peaceful prosperous and equitable life on earth for everyone now and in the future", the UN developed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG; 2017). Only with the combined efforts of every human being across the planet, these goals, and a sustainable future, can be realized.

Working towards these goals empowers students to make informed decisions in favour of environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society for present and future generations. We all must become change-makers and as such, education is crucial in developing the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that contribute to sustainable development.

By incorporating the SDGs into pedagogy and curriculum, students are provided the opportunity to develop competencies that empower them to reflect on their own actions. By taking into account their current and future social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts, from both a local and a global perspective, students can make meaningful change in their homes, schools, and communities to better their future.

UNESCO (2017) Education for Sustainable Development Goals: learning objectives. UNESCO, 68. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000247444

“A fundamental change is needed in the way we think about education’s role in global development, because it has a catalytic impact on the well-being of individuals and the future of our planet. … Now, more than ever, education has a responsibility to be in gear with 21st century challenges and aspirations, and foster the right types of values and skills that will lead to sustainable and inclusive growth,
and peaceful living together. “

Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO

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