Implementing an environmental management system has a range of exciting benefits for schools, including:

• Financial savings through a reduction in resource use and waste production. The scheme encourages reducing the use of resources in school, such as heating and lighting fuels, this ultimately cuts site costs.

• Curriculum enrichment. Environ will take care to ensure that activities undertaken as part of EMAS will be tied into most areas of the National Curriculum, including English, Science, Maths, Geography, Art & Design, Citizenship and Information and Communication technology. The curriculum will be enriched by the relationship that the pupils will develop with the environment. Pupils will take part in every stage of the environmental management and audit process, this will give them new experiences and knowledge which can be used in all aspects of learning. It is their chance to get involved in a real-life practical project, which will help them build on written and communication skills.

• Development of ownership and personal and social responsibilities for the school and its environment, among all members of the school community. As well as the opportunities provided for pupils, taking part in the EMAS project also provides numerous opportunities for staff to develop leadership and management skills.

• Involvement with a groundbreaking project. By joining EMAS your school could be among the very first in the country to gain the prestigious European EMAS environmental accreditation and display its logo on letterheads and publicity material.

• Enhancement of your school profile, through verification of a European environmental award. On top of the European status of the EMAS project, the scheme is expected to attract media attention, which would help enhance your school’s community profile. Also Ofsted have made very positive comments to schools who have taken the EMAS project on.

• Providing a vehicle for developing community cohesion. The project encourages the involvement of the school’s local community at every level. From helping at school open days to tell friends and family about the EMAS work, to helping to work on the development of a nature area.

• Free Tours of the Eco-House (Environ’s Environmental Show home). NRF schools have free Eco-House Tours available. Also covered are the costs of transport to and from schools. The Eco-House offers a fantastic focal point for environmental education, bringing to life many issues concerning how to become more environmentally friendly in our everyday lives.

• Encourages the sharing of ideas and knowledge between schools. The EMAS project, the handbook and this website, encourage the sharing of knowledge between schools who are involved in EMAS. The project also helps facilitate the sharing of funding sources, or ideas that have worked well in other schools.

• EMAS also promotes excellent links and helps support other schemes such as the Healthy Schools Award, Free Fruit and Vegetables for Schools and School Travel Planning.