Sustainability Policy

Ballyshannon National School Environmental Sustainability Policy

1. Introduction

At Ballyshannon National School, we cultivate a deep culture of love, care and respect for the natural environment. Through teaching, exploration, and collective action, we embed environmental stewardship into every aspect of school life. Our approach is holistic, aiming to foster lifelong responsibility for the planet among pupils, staff, and the broader community.

We are proud participants in the Green-Schools Programme (Eco-Schools internationally), which has helped us achieve five Green Flags since 2010, and we are currently working toward our sixth, under the theme of Global Citizenship – Litter and Waste.

Our core school values—especially Sustainability and Respect—serve as pillars guiding our daily environmental actions and long-term goals.

2. Policy Objectives

This policy aims to:

• Promote environmental awareness and responsibility throughout the school community.

• Integrate environmental education into the curriculum and culture of the school.

• Reduce the school's environmental impact by managing resources responsibly.

• Encourage active participation in local and global sustainability efforts.

• Align with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

  • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

  • SDG 13 – Climate Action

  • SDG 15 – Life on Land

  • SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

  • SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

3. Green-Schools Programme at Ballyshannon N.S.

Green Flags Achieved:

• Litter and Waste

• Energy

• Water

• Travel

• Biodiversity

Current Focus:

• Sixth Flag: Global Citizenship – Litter and Waste

Committee:

• Staff: Ms. Miley and Ms. Burke

• Pupils: Secon, Third and Fourth Class representatives

4. Whole-School Environmental Aims

We strive to:

• Understand the human impact on the environment.

• Promote conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

• Encourage pollution reduction and responsible waste management.

• Foster biodiversity and respect for ecosystems.

• Promote sustainable travel where feasible.

• Cultivate informed, environmentally responsible global citizens.

5. Key Focus Areas

A. Litter & Waste Management

• Recycling bins in classrooms and staff areas.

• Composting fruit peels, pencil shavings, teabags.

• “Lunchbox Policy” – All waste returns home.

• GOOS (Good on One Side) boxes and scrap trays for reusing paper.

• Recycled art initiatives and upcycling materials from home.

• Picker Pals and second-hand clothing collections.

B. Energy Conservation

• Lights and equipment turned off when not in use.

• Spark Detective roles in classrooms.

• Double-sided and black-and-white photocopying prioritized.

• Building insulation and heating efficiency maintained.

C. Water Conservation

• Leak Detective roles in classrooms.

• Rainwater harvesting for garden use.

• Hippo bags in toilet cisterns.

• Use of water-efficient cleaning practices.

D. Transport

• While walking or cycling to school is limited, it is encouraged where safe.

• Cycle Safety Programme for senior classes.

• Advocacy for a safe footpath from Calverstown to school.

• Carpooling encouraged where practical.

E. Biodiversity & School Garden

• Sensory garden supports local flora and fauna.

• Pupil involvement in planting and garden care.

• Compost from food waste reused in the garden.

• Biodiversity workshops, e.g., willow weaving.

6. Additional Sustainability Initiatives

• Paper Reduction:
  Use of Aladdin and Seesaw for communication and homework reduces paper waste significantly.

• Annual Events:

  • National Spring Clean: Whole school clean-up effort.

  • National Tree Week: Curriculum-linked projects on trees.

  • School Walk: Focus on active travel and environmental awareness.

• School Values Integration:

  • Environmental values taught across curriculum through the lens of Sustainability and Respect.

7. Curriculum Integration

Environmental themes are embedded across subjects:

• SPHE: Responsibility, wellbeing, cooperation.

• Art: Recycled materials, poster design.

• ICT: Research, data analysis, awareness campaigns.

• English: Debates, poetry, newsletters.

• Geography & Science: Ecosystems, pollution, climate change.

• Maths: Graphing data on resource use.

• History: Changes in environmental habits over time.

8. Evaluation and Success Indicators

• Clean, litter-free school environment.

• Reduced utility bills and resource use.

• Retention and acquisition of Green Flags.

• Increased environmental awareness and action at home.

9. Review and Ratification

This policy was ratified by the Board of Management
It will be reviewed every two years or in response to updated Green-Schools criteria or school needs.