Courtesy : greenschoolsprogramme.org

What is a Green School?

A Green School is a resource-efficient school that meets most of the criteria given below:

• Window Floor Ratio (WFR) more than 15 per cent
• Majority of the population to use sustainable mode of transport (public transport, e-rickshaws, etc) or nonpollution mode of transport (cycling, walking, etc)
• Maximum use of energy efficient lighting to conserve energy and use of alternative sources of energy. GSP Audit encourages schools to minimize use of conventional lights without compromising sufficient lighting for students
• Maintain a high green cover inside and around school campus along with greater biodiversity by planting native species of plants
• Serve only cooked meals (or avoid packaged foods that are high in Fats, Sugar and Salt) to ensure healthy food consumption
• Harvest rainwater through Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) systems and reuse treated wastewater. Waste water can be treated at school level (decentralized wastewater treatment system) or at centralized Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)
• Pre and Post monsoon cleaning of RWH systems is important
• Segregate waste at source efficiently and dispose responsibly. Recycling at least 90 per cent of the waste is recommended
• Wet waste to be composted
• Waste not to be burned