The Green Flag

Recognising excellence in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

The Eco-Schools Green Flag is an internationally recognised award for excellence in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), awarded to schools that have successfully implemented the structured educational framework of the Eco-Schools programme.

Eco-Schools supported the development of UNESCO's Green School Quality Standard (GSQS). Achievement of the Eco-Schools Green Flag also qualifies schools for the Greening Education Partnership (GEP) Green School Badge, demonstrating full alignment with the GSQS Essential Actions.

The Eco-schools green flag represents:

A whole-institution approach

Eco-Schools embeds ESD across the entire school in a whole-institution approach (WIA), integrating sustainability into governance, teaching and learning, facilities and operations, school culture, and community engagement. 

A practical pathway to national greening targets

Across diverse national and school contexts, Eco-Schools provides a scalable, realistic pathway for governments and schools working toward national ESD targets including the 50% target of the Greening Education Partnership . 

Flexibility across contexts

The framework adapts to all national, cultural, and school realities. Schools prioritise actions based on local needs and feasibility, working across 15 sustainability themes to deliver integrated, cross-cutting learning and action . 

Learning by doing

The Seven-Steps framework promotes project-based learning, empowering students and educators to assess their context, engage local stakeholders, take action, and reflect on outcomes through continuous improvement. 

Meaningful progress, not box-ticking

Recognition is based on successful implementation of the Eco-Schools framework rather than a simple checklist. Quality is demonstrated through meaningful learning, student participation, continuous improvement and evidence of the whole-institution approach.