The 2023 winners are as follows:
Green Flag Award: Abbots Cross Primary School, Ballyclare Primary School, Crumlin Integrated College, Doagh Primary School, Fairview Primary School, Hillcroft Special School, Loanends Primary School, Mallusk Controlled Integrated Primary School, Mount St Michael's Primary School, Parkhall Integrated College, Rathcoole Primary School, Riverside Special School, Six Mile Integrated Primary School, St Comgall's Primary School, St Joseph's Nursery School, St Macnissi's Primary School, St Oliver Plunkett's Primary School, Templepatrick Primary School, Whitehouse Primary School
Eco-Teacher of the Year (Sponsored by the Housing Executive): Laura Moore, Crumlin Integrated College
Eco-Pupil of the Year: Jack Goodall, Mallusk Controlled Integrated Primary School
Eco-School of the Year (Sponsored by the Housing Executive): Fairview Primary School, Ballyclare
Sinead Murray, Environmental Education Coordinator at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful said:
“This year we have been really impressed by the quality of applications from schools across the council area. Pupils and teachers have really stepped up and get the importance of taking concrete action against the climate emergency. The creativity and determination displayed by pupils can give all of us confidence in the future. We are delighted to see the ethos of the Eco-Schools programme so warmly embraced by so many schools.”
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper BEM commented:
“I was delighted to see 19 nursery, primary and additional needs schools across the Borough awarded with the Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation. I would like to commend these schools who have spent the last two years going above and beyond in their environmental work in order to gain this special recognition. Through participating in this programme, young people are encouraged to form small environmentally-friendly habits from a young age which they can share with their friends and family and which will greatly benefit the planet.”
Housing Executive Chair Nicole Lappin said:
“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners: more new Green Flags, with special recognition for the council’s best Eco-School and Eco-Teacher of the Year.
“We would like to reiterate the importance of educating our young people in energy and environmental awareness and taking direct action for the protection of our environment. We believe it is vitally important for them to be fully aware of how precious our world is and that we need to do all we can to protect it.
“We are delighted to support these excellent Eco-Schools NI projects. We’ve been really impressed with the standard of work being produced by teachers, pupils, and the wider community. Their enthusiasm is truly inspirational and we are proud to support them in ensuring a better future for everyone."