Eight Pathways

There are many pathways to sustainability. Below are the Eight Pathways of the Eco-Schools USA program.

Keep in mind that you do not have to tackle all eight Pathways at one time. Use the results of your Environmental Audit to set realistic targets and concentrate on areas that are most relevant to your school.

Please note, however, that the Energy Pathway must be addressed by every school applying for a Silver or Green Flag award.

Many of the Eight Pathways overlap or are closely related to each other. Energy, for example, is connected to Climate Change, and Transportation can be linked to Green Hour. You may often find that by making progress in one area, you are taking steps toward improving your performance in another.

Energy

Addressing energy conservation
Schools are the largest energy consumer in many municipalities. But up to 30 percent of that energy is used inefficiently or unnecessarily. Schools can significantly cut energy use, resulting in financial savings and reduced environmental impact.

Water

Addressing water conservation
Basic water efficiency programs can reduce a school's water use by 30 percent or more. The Eco-Schools USA program can help schools to improve irrigation methods, reduce water runoff, consume fresh water as efficiently as possible, and reuse water to a greater extent.

Climate Change

Incorporating climate change education into curriculum
Schools are joining the movement to solve this urgent environmental issue. Schools are reducing their "carbon footprints," and in the process, they develop science, math, technology and social science skills.

Global Dimensions

Developing a global view on local impacts
Schools bring together a wide range of people and ideas and thus can foster global perspectives. Students learn while helping the planet, when they understand how their local actions "ripple" out into the wider world.

Transportation

Addressing school transportation
The Eco-Schools USA program aims to raise awareness of sustainable solutions - transportation that reduces fuel consumption, pollution and car use. Every school can change its travel footprint.

School Grounds

Developing "green" grounds
Research has demonstrated that in all discipline areas, students who are given the opportunity to directly engage in outdoor education and experiential learning have been able to significantly increase their capacity for learning.

Consumption and Waste

Reducing, reusing, and recycling
A school can reduce its environmental impact by analyzing the full life cycle of the products it uses. Trimming consumption, reducing packaging and transport distance, and recycling as many items as possible all translate into smaller amounts of garbage being hauled away.

Green Hour

Incorporating outdoor time during the school day
In addition to the health benefits, studies have shown that outdoor time during school hours leads to higher test scores and higher overall achievement in the classroom.

Help & Advice on the Eight Pathways

There are many local and national organizations and curricular resources that can help schools address each of the Eight Pathways. Look for the Curriculum Connections and Resources sections on each Pathway's main page to find out more.

U.S. Eco-Schools are constantly coming up with fantastic ideas to implement the Eight Pathways. If your school has a great strategy, why not share it with everyone on our Eco-Schools USA Facebook page? You'll need to be registered as an Eco-School to access this page, so register now!

U.S. Eco-Schools are part of a large and growing community. Use the Facebook page to share ideas, ask for advice or comment on environmental matters with other Eco-Schools.