Irish Water has teamed up with An Taisce to support schools undertaking the Water theme of the Green-Schools programme throughout Ireland. The Water theme aims to increase awareness among primary and secondary school students about water conservation.
The Green-Schools Water Programme encourages participating schools to improve their water efficiency and to conserve water by adopting simple measures through a seven-step framework. Operated by An Taisce, Green-Schools promotes and acknowledges long-term whole school action for the environment across seven themes including water, energy, waste and sustainable transport.
Commenting on the partnership, Elizabeth Arnett from Irish Water said, “Learning about the value of water and how to be water efficient from an early age is really important and by educating and working with young people throughout Ireland we can help to change and improve our water behaviour patterns and attitudes to water management over time.
“Irish Water is committed to supporting the education and engagement of school students in water efficiency and conservation and is delighted to partner with An Taisce to help increase school participation in its Green-Schools programme,” she continued.
Patricia Oliver, Director of An Taisce’s Environmental Education Unit added, “An Taisce Green-Schools is delighted to announce our new partnership with Irish Water which will enable us to continue supporting schools who are tackling the Water theme of our programme. Last year schools in Ireland saved 300,000,000 litres of water; we are confident that with the assistance and support of Irish Water we can increase this figure while raising awareness of the need for water conservation among school children, their families and the wider community. “
In addition, Irish Water and An Taisce have today launched a competition for schools applying for the An Taisce Green Flag for Water in 2013/2014 academic year. The Irish Water Green-School of the Year award will recognise innovation and creativity among primary and secondary schools who have achieved success in reducing their water consumption, spreading awareness about water issues and involving their community in their Green-Schools Water Programme. Primary and Secondary schools applying for the An Taisce Green Flag for Water in the 2013/2014 academic year will be in with a chance to win.
The Irish Water Green-School of the Year competition is divided into two categories – The Irish Water Primary School of the Year and the Irish Water Secondary School of the Year. The winning schools in each category will each receive a prize fund of €2,000. Prizes will also be awarded to schools in second, third and fourth place.
Source: Envirocentre.ie – Irish Water Teams Up with An Taisce Green-School
