What is Certification?

Ready, set, certify!

EcoSchools certification represents environmental excellence for elementary through secondary schools in Canada. Participation in the program allows students, teachers, school administrators, custodians, and parents to get a clear picture of their current environmental practices and take action to reduce their environmental footprint.

Each year, schools apply for certification by undertaking environmental actions, campaigns, and projects, and then recording them in the online EcoSchools Certification Application (ECA) to earn points. At the end of the year, school applications are assessed based on a standard established over 10 years of benchmarking and are awarded a final certification level.

Check out our Certification Guide for a comprehensive overview of the program.

Why certify?

The EcoSchools program is both a framework and a toolbox for taking action and engaging in environmental education. For students, the program provides opportunities for leadership, connection with classmates in different grade levels via peer-to-peer mentorship, and a way to learn about sustainability while having fun.

For teachers, the EcoSchools program integrates seamlessly with curricula across Canada and offers unique opportunities for learning: in a June 2023 survey, 86% of educators reported that participation in the program benefited their professional development, and 90% say they are likely to recommend the program to a colleague.

As a school board/district, participation in the EcoSchools program can result in lower energy outputs from school buildings and offer a regional network between schools for sharing resources. A 2017 study found that if all non-certified schools in Ontario alone performed as well as EcoSchools, overall greenhouse gases would be reduced by an estimated 64,800 tonnes.

EcoTeams, assemble!

Every school forms a group of dedicated environmental champions called an EcoTeam who are responsible for leading EcoSchools actions and initiatives. EcoTeams can range from just a few members to whole schools, and operate best with a diverse membership base, including students, teachers, principals, school administration, custodians, parents, and community partners.

Engaging in environmental actions

Actions make up the backbone of EcoSchools certification, and consist of a variety of fun and educational projects, campaigns, lessons, and challenges that help schools assess and improve their environmental practices. Actions are designed to be flexible and adaptable to all curricula and school types to ensure that everyone across Canada can pursue certification. EcoSchools actions also connect schools to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the global FEE network.

Schools can select from dozens of engaging actions like waste-free lunches, planting a garden, GOOS Paper and conducting an energy audit. There is also an opportunity for schools to design their own unique actions. Find a full list of EcoSchools actions here.

For more information about actions in the EcoSchools program, visit the Managing your EcoSchools plan and Completing an action sections of the Certification FAQ.

Certification levels

Throughout the school year, schools complete actions in their online application and earn points towards their certification. The depth and extent of these completed environmental actions will determine the school’s final certification level.

There are four levels of certification a school can achieve: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Schools that begin an application but don’t earn enough points to be certified at the Bronze level are designated as Participants and are welcome to attempt certification again the following year.

When a school becomes a certified EcoSchool, they receive a digital certification seal that reflects their certification level. This seal can be displayed on a school’s website and social media accounts, in newsletters, in email signatures, and more.

For more information about how certification levels work, visit the Managing your EcoSchools plan section of the Certification FAQ.

Who can certify?

EcoSchools certification is open to all schools across Canada. This includes English- and French-language schools, Indigenous schools, independent/private schools, and outdoor and environmental education centres (OEECs) that are associated with school boards and districts.

Learn more about certification for publicly-funded schools, independent/private schools, and outdoor and environmental education centres (OEECs).

Is there a cost to certify?

We believe no one should be prohibited from participating in the EcoSchools program because of financial limitations. For all publicly-funded schools in Canada, certifying with the EcoSchools program is free of charge. An annual fee applies to independent schools who are pursuing certification.

Additionally, school boards/districts can choose to pay an annual fee that offers access to data and analytics about their schools, customized support from EcoSchools Canada staff, and more. Learn more about school board/district membership here.