Irish students lead the way in reducing electricity use as EirGrid-sponsored 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 this year’s programme were unveiled yesterday at an event in Adamstown Community College, Dublin, with plenty of exciting events due to be held across the country over the coming months to enable young people to expand their awareness around energy conservation. 

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

In the last academic year, 2,200 students and 123 schools engaged in events including regional workshops consisting of hands-on activities, artwork and experiments, which allowed them to learn more about where electricity comes from and how they can take steps to reduce energy consumption. 

Speaking at yesterday’s relaunch, Suzanne Collins, Head of Public Relations with EirGrid, said: “We are once again proud to partner with An Taisce Green-Schools for its energy theme, reaching students in classrooms across the country as they address energy consumption in their schools and communities.  

“It has been so inspiring to see the engagement in the theme over the last academic year and shows the impactful steps young people are taking in bringing about sustainable changes in everyday life.  

“EirGrid is proud to play a continued role in empowering the next generation as they lead the charge in energy awareness.” 

Joanne Scott, Green-Schools Programme Manager, added: "We are delighted to relaunch the Energy Theme to schools, and are thankful that EirGrid's support is allowing us to continue with this fantastic initiative. 

"From our engagement with students through our previous energy workshops, there is no doubt young people are enthusiastic about leaving a positive impact on their community, and the energy theme provides and invaluable opportunity to empower them to reduce energy consumption and be part of the conversation. 

“We recently awarded the Green Flag to Scoil Éinne, An Spidéal, for their outstanding work on the energy theme, and we look forward to working alongside more schools as they continue their journey towards achieving their own Green Flag.” 

During the 2023-24 school year, schools saved a combined 18 million kWh of electricity, enough to make 58 million cups of tea, due to their participation in the Green-Schools programme, proving that interest in energy is strong among Ireland’s school children.