We first heard about Lyceum’s intention to transform its outdoor learning space in September and were pleased to be invited to the public input session.

From the start, the community was available and supportive of the project — this is the key to success for any school to earn Eco-School accreditation; engage your network.

The International Environmental Management and Accreditation Programme has 20 years of experience and now runs in 60 countries.

Greenrock became Bermuda’s representative in 2013 and serves almost 5,000 students in 15 schools.

We were available to support the school via student activities, staff meetings, PTA presentations and guidance to the eco-teams. Impressively, Lyceum did not need a lot of help, other than some assistance of learning the framework.

To earn the Eco-School accreditation and Green Flag, schools follow a seven-step model of transforming their school mindset, behaviours and practices.

Students, staff and parents join an eco-committee (step one) which represents the driving force in the school to educate and inspire the rest of the school community.

This core group focuses on one topic at a time and identifies priority areas for improvement by conducting a baseline audit (step two). The information gathered then leads them to create an action plan (step three) where they identify targets and initiatives for change.

Lyceum identified that its school grounds could be used more effectively and decided to make it into a more interactive, green space. Another school could choose to work on waste reduction, by revamping their trash-free lunch policy; or launching a printing limit; or a composting campaign.

Another school wishing to improve biodiversity could plant more trees and install a butterfly garden, and a school working to reduce its energy could appoint energy monitors to switch off lights.

An important component of behaviour change is to monitor and evaluate progress (step four). This is done by conducting the audit again and seeing if improvements have been made. If not, explore reasons why not, and make adjustments.

A great way to engage the rest of the school is to bring this process into the classroom — or bring the classroom out to see this learning — by integrating eco-projects with the curriculum (step five). This does not mean changing the curriculum, but using the garden, for example, to enhance it.

Once a school has experienced the benefits of its improvements, they share that inspiration with the wider community by informing and involving (step six). This can be an event or showcase and is meant to encourage families and neighbours to join forces with the school and do its bit too. The final step is to create an eco-code (step seven), which is a mission statement to confirm the commitment. It can be a mural on the school wall or stated in school assemblies.

Once a school has completed all seven steps of its first pathway, it presents a portfolio for assessment of a Green Seed Award. After two pathways are accomplished, it is eligible for the Green Flag accreditation. A member of the community will visit the school to hear first-hand from students and staff and see the projects in action.

• For more information visit www.greenrock.org or www.eco-schools.global