The Eco-Schools programme was developed in 1994 on the basis of the need for involving young people in finding solutions to environmental and sustainable development challenges at the local level, as identified at the UN Conference on Environment and Development of 1992.The programme was initiated by Member organisations of the Foundation for Environmental Education with the support of the European Commission.
  
  

  
The Eco-Schools Programme aims to raise students’ awareness of environmental and related sustainable development issues through classroom study together with school and community action, and provides an integrated system for environmental management of schools based on an ISO14001/EMAS approach.
  
As a process of facilitating sustainable development at a local level, pupils are encouraged to take an active role in practical steps to reduce the environmental impact of the school. Eco-Schools thus extends learning beyond the classroom and develops responsible attitudes and commitment both at home and in the wider community. The Eco-Schools Green Flag, awarded to schools with high achievement in their Programme, is a recognised and respected eco-label for environmental education and performance.
  
  

   
The Programme incorporates seven elements which schools at any level can adopt as a methodology. These elements have been designed to be the core of the Eco-Schools process, yet the structure is flexible enough to be adopted in any country, and at any level of schools’ previous environmental achievement. Pupil involvement throughout the process is an integral and essential factor. The participation of other stakeholders in the school and community in the decision-making process is an important step towards dialogue and cooperation, providing a good basis for citizenship education. This flexible system, with its pedagogic and practical elements, has made Eco-Schools a very successful programme with clear and tangible benefits to schools and communities, and of course to teachers and young people.
   
   

  
The programme is now being implemented in several countries in Europe, Africa, South America, Oceania and Asia. The number of Eco-Schools is growing as more and more schools take up the challenge and work towards improving their environment through education and action. Newsletters, email news and the online projects keep schools in touch and aware of developments throughout the network, and periodic international events are organised for personal and direct contact. Eco-Schools programme may be known by different names in different countries, though they share the same methodology and concept, and are identified by the Eco-Schools logo and Green Flag.