Irish students lead the charge in reducing electricity consumption as Green-Schools' Energy Theme relaunches

An Taisce Green-Schools is bringing its energy theme back to primary and secondary schools across the country this academic year, thanks to its continued partnership with EirGrid, operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid.

Plans for the coming months were revealed yesterday at an event in Holy Family National School, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, with engaging events due to be held nationwide to encourage young people to take action when it comes to energy conservation.

In the last academic year, more than 3,800 students and nearly 300 schools engaged in events such as regional workshops, where they took part in hands-on experiments to learn more about where electricity comes from, the benefits of renewable energy and what they can do in their communities to reduce consumption.

These workshops also allowed students to hear about how EirGrid is playing a leading role in decarbonising the electricity grid.

Eight schools also took part in last year’s Energy Awards, which saw students from across the country recognised for their outstanding commitment to the theme.

Speaking on the theme's relaunch, Suzanne Collins, Head of Strategic Communications at EirGrid, said: "We are proud to continue our support of the An Taisce Green-Schools’ Energy Theme, enabling students and their teachers to take impactful steps to reduce energy consumption in their schools.

“As we at EirGrid work to deliver the Government target of ensuring 80 percent of Ireland’s electricity comes from renewable sources, we recognise the importance of inspiring the next generation to lead the way in securing our energy future.

“We look forward to continuing to encourage students to take action when it comes to making a difference in their community and expand their awareness around energy conservation.”

Rob Nelson, Green-Schools Energy Theme Co-ordinator, said: "Since we launched the energy theme in early 2025, with support from EirGrid, it has been inspiring to see students across the country showing real dedication to sustainability and learning more about how they can take meaningful steps to save energy.

"We are delighted to relaunch the energy theme to schools and would like to thank EirGrid for their continued support for this meaningful initiative.”

More than 3,000 schools have been awarded the energy flag since the beginning of the Green-Schools programme in 1997.