PECT launched its Peterborough Eco Framework back in 2015 to support the delivery of environmental education in local schools and help them to reduce their carbon footprint. The idea is to inspire future generations of city residents to live sustainably and to encourage positive behaviour change.
“We are absolutely thrilled to win this award,” explains PECT’s Environmental Education Manager Jill Foster. “PECT did a unique thing when it decided to launch a bespoke Eco Framework for the city’s schools. We wanted to ensure environmental activity remained accessible to everyone. It also felt preferable to refer to local situations and resources, in order to encourage long-term behaviour change among students.”
97% of schools in Peterborough now deliver environmental education – one of the highest levels of uptake in the whole of the UK, meaning that every year PECT’s eco education work is reaching literally 1,000s of school children.
As part of the new framework, schools can gain accreditation in each of the 10 Environment Capital themes. Certificates are awarded for each theme, and when a school has achieved five themes the school can proudly fly the Peterborough Eco Framework flag, displaying their environmental status and the achievements of their students.
Since the project launched at the end of 2015, 21 certificates have been awarded to schools for their work across the 10 different themes, and one school – Woodston Primary – has just become the first to receive the Peterborough Eco Education Flag, after receiving certificates in five of the themes.
The award will be presented at a ceremony in November at The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Palace. For more information about PECT’s work, visit the website at www.pect.org.uk.