Eco-Schools is preparing itself for a turbo boost injection of innovation, thanks to car company Toyota. Keen to promote forward thinking amongst Europe’s children, Toyota Motor Europe has struck a deal with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), who manage the Eco-schools programme internationally.
The car manufacturer is to fund a European competition to promote innovative thinking and environmental problem solving in schools, supported by UNEP. England and Northern Ireland have been chosen to take part in the two-year pilot, with support by Toyota GB´s Corporate Social Responsibility Department, alongside Italy, Germany and Spain.
All of the participating Eco-Schools will be encouraged to come up with practical solutions to the problems surrounding sustainable mobility. Although projects should be school based they will need to demonstrate community involvement. This may be through gaining the support of local organisations, companies and the local authority.
Participating schools will submit their concepts and proposals to a national jury by 1 May 2006. The top entries from each country will receive a grant to help put their plans into action. Each school will then have from September 2006 to April 2007 to monitor the success of their project, before reporting back to a European jury - where an overall winner will be announced in June 2007.
Sustainable transport is any means of transport that reduces fuel consumption, pollution, congestion, and that enhances safety for all. This includes cycling, rail and bus transport, walking, car sharing, or improvement of infrastructure.
If your school is bursting with ideas on how you might develop sustainable transport in your local area watch out for further details on www.eco-schools.org.uk soon!