Peel EcoSchools Program: Creating a Greener Future, One School at a Time
What is the Peel EcoSchools Program?
The Peel EcoSchools program is an environmental education and certification initiative that empowers schools to become leaders in sustainability. As part of the national EcoSchools Canada network, the program provides a framework for students and educators to build customized environmental action plans, choosing from over 50 environmental actions that are directly linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The primary mission of the program is to foster positive climate, water, and waste actions within Peel's school communities. This is achieved by inspiring both behavioral changes—like developing new conservation habits—and operational shifts, such as implementing new recycling systems or creating school gardens. This ambitious work is made possible through a dedicated community of partners all working toward a common goal.
Who Makes It Happen? A Community of Partners
The success of Peel EcoSchools relies on a strong collaborative network of organizations, educators, and students.
- TRCA (Toronto and Region Conservation Authority): Leads the on-the-ground delivery of the program, bringing environmental expertise directly into schools.
- Region of Peel: Provides crucial support to ensure the program's reach and impact.
- Dufferin-Peel Catholic and Peel District School Boards: Act as core collaborators, integrating the program directly into their schools.
- Partnerships with Facilities: The program also collaborates with various facilities that provide experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to engage in hands-on environmental projects and gain real-world insights into sustainability practices.
Ultimately, the most important partners are the students and educators on the ground. The program is designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge to become environmental leaders in their own communities, primarily through the formation of dedicated "student EcoTeams" that spearhead local projects.
These teams turn their passion into tangible results by completing a wide variety of environmental actions.
From Certification to Action: How the Program Works
Schools participate in the program by working towards an official EcoSchools certification, which is earned by successfully completing environmental actions throughout the school year. These hands-on projects allow students to take ownership of sustainability issues and see the direct impact of their efforts.
Examples of Student-Led Projects
- Planting vibrant pollinator and food gardens that provide critical habitat for local wildlife and fresh food for the community.
- Organizing community clean-ups to beautify local spaces and restore natural habitats.
- Launching student-run EcoFairs and environmental festivals to share knowledge and inspire wider action.
- Installing anti-idling signs on school property to protect air quality for everyone.
To help these projects succeed, the program provides a robust support system. This includes professional development workshops for educators, partnerships with facilities offering experiential learning opportunities, and access to funding opportunities. Since 2010, 276 grants totaling nearly $70,000 have been awarded to schools for climate-related projects.
These individual actions, when multiplied across hundreds of schools, create a powerful and measurable legacy of positive change.
A 15-Year Track Record
- Total Certifications: 2,888 certifications have been earned by participating schools.
- Top-Tier Achievement: An impressive 49% of all certifications reached gold or platinum levels, the highest possible tiers.
- Teacher Training: Over 2,775 teachers from the Dufferin-Peel Catholic and Peel District School Boards have benefited from specialized professional development.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
This 15-year milestone is not just a moment for reflection but a launching point for the future. Building on this powerful legacy, the program is poised for its next chapter—one defined by deeper innovation, accelerated growth, and the promise of creating truly sustainable outcomes that will benefit our communities for generations to come.