St. Kevins Girls National School (GNS), Kilnamanagh celebrated the raising of their second green flag for Energy.

The flag was raised by Deputy Mayor Eamon Maloney and he congratulated the staff and pupils for their hard work and dedication in protecting and improving their environment.

To achieve the Green Flag for Energy the pupils and staff implemented a Switch it off campaign, they fit reflectors behind radiators, checked electricity bills and organised a low energy day. Other practices to save energy include closing the blinds at the end of the day to keep the heat in the class room, opening blinds to let in natural light on sunny days. They also held a Low Energy Day at the school which took place in December. They switched off all electrical appliances and lights. They measured a decrease in energy use of 45% on Low Energy Day.

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Over 3,100 primary, secondary and special schools in Ireland are currently taking part in the programme and 1,465 have been awarded the Green Flag. The Irish Green-Schools programme is one of themost successful within the international network. One of the main factors in the success of the Irish Green-Schools programme is the partnership between the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce and Local Authorities i.e.the financial and time contribution of the Local Authorities to the programme.

(CD/JM)