Top Tips to becoming a Greener School

Climate change and the threats to our environment present us all with the greatest challenge to our lives and to the lives of future generations. Rising temperatures are destroying our environment by creating weather extremes, natural disasters and food and water shortages. The ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising and forests are burning. Scientists calculate that global temperatures are over one degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels and rising. Plastic pollutes our oceans and marine life and coral reefs are dying. The eco systems on which all life depends are being destroyed (United Nations, 2025). We need to look after all the resources of nature now so that harmony is restored between people and the planet.

Come and learn about events and activities throughout the school year that children, young people and staff can get involved in which can support teaching and learning of sustainability topics using practical ideas. Also get to know environmental initiatives and organisations every school should be aware of that can empower children and young people to lead campaigns to reduce the school’s carbon footprint and raise and save money for the school in the process. Start taking action towards making a positive difference today!

My new book Published in September 2025 by Bloomsbury, “100 Ideas for Primary Teachers Greener School”, with a Foreword by Dr Jane Goodall DBE (Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace) will support Teachers, Trainee Teachers, Leadership Teams, School Staff to start their environmental journey and to carry it on towards Zero Carbon. My book can also be adapted and used by Secondary Schools, Scouts, Girl Guides, Community Groups, Youth Groups and families at home. The 100 ideas are all tried and tested practical activities and projects that I have used in my teaching over the last 13 years. These can be woven through subjects and a school’s curriculum.  This handbook supports school staff who can pick up the book and refer to it throughout, giving them continuous support and guidance about what and how they can teach climate change, saving them time and energy.

The book is split up into ten environmental topics to support schools, including those following Foundation for Environmental Education, Eco Schools Green Flag. These topics include Marine Life, Biodiversity, Transport, Energy, Global Citizenship. There is also an essential chapter of six organisations that schools should sign up with before choosing some of the 100 ideas to start implementing in their classrooms and across the school. These organisations can give schools free support and guidance. For each idea, there are “Bonus" and “Taking it Further Ideas” to help pupils lead the way and take their learning forward. Some ideas can be achieved in a short space of time, and others are part of longer projects. Start small, take one activity at a time, and build on your success. Every school will operate within its context, facilities and budget. Even the smallest changes can be positive, and schools can use and adapt each of the 100 ideas depending on available resources. These are some reviews of the book:

“Implementing the ideas in the book will really change young people and empower them, engage them and give them hope for their future”, Lord Jim Knight, Chair of STEM Learning

“Edd is the best there is when it comes to making environmental awareness not just educational, but inspiring. His book is the perfect practical resource for teachers looking to bring sustainability into their school community. It won't just leave you with plenty of eco ideas - it'll help you feel like you can actually make a difference on this massive issue”,  Amy Meek, Co-Founder of Kids Against Plastic

”100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Greener School” is a must have for educators who want to make sustainability part of their school’s DNA`. It’s perfect for teachers, school leaders, and even groups. If you are ready to turn eco-awareness into eco action, this book will guide the way”, First review after publication.

I am an award-winning environmentalist, former eco-coordinator and primary teacher who has been at the forefront of environment and sustainability in education for over a decade. I led his previous State Primary School in Dorset, UK to many national and international eco awards. I was named 1 of 500 Coronation Champion for my environmental work, as well as “Teacher of the Year” by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). I worked at Green School Bali, known as one of the top, if not the top, Eco School in the world as their Primary Curriculum Coordinator.

I now work as Head of Education for the Green School Project, leading the development and delivery of their Sustainability Educational Programmes, supporting teachers and students across the UK. https://www.greenschoolsproject.org.uk/zero-carbon-schools/

Finally, I also works as an environment education consultant (‘eco edd’ https://www.ecoedd.com/ ) helping Schools, Multi Academy Trusts, and organisations bring climate action into the heart of learning.

Edd Moore

Environment Education Consultant - Eco Edd