Each year, you collaborate with key members of your school community (students, teachers, school administrators, custodians, and parents/guardians, etc.) to create an action plan and apply for certification by completing the actions outlined in the plan.  Schools build an EcoTeam to accomplish each action and the results of each action are recorded in the online EcoSchools Certification Application (ECA) to earn points. At the end of the school year, your certification application is assessed and a certification level ranging from Bronze to Platinum is awarded.

For more information, check out the Certification Guide and the What is Certification? page.

First, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the program: What is Certification?

Once you’re familiar with the program, the next step will be to register on the EcoSchools Certification Application (ECA) platform. See: New users – How to register

Then, you will be able to review the various EcoSchools actions and start curating your plan for the year.

The EcoSchools Certification Application (ECA) platform is where all schools start their EcoSchools applications each year. The application houses over 50 environmental and climate change actions with corresponding resources, and provides you the opportunity to curate a unique action plan that can be updated and revised throughout the year.

Schools and boards that have certified with the EcoSchools program in the past will notice the ECA offers a new and refreshed online application and certification experience.

The ECA is the culmination of over three years of consultation and development with stakeholders in the education and environment sectors and has led to a more flexible, customizable, data-driven, and accessible certification platform.

Key features of the ECA:

• The application is intuitive, easy to navigate, and more streamlined than ever before.
• There is no limit on the number of members that can be added to a school’s application, making collaboration between students, teachers, and other school community members easier than ever.
• Schools can develop their own yearly plan to meet the unique needs, interests, and priorities of their school and community.
• Schools can select from, and engage in, more than 50 environmental actions. From Pollinator Garden to Reduce Harmful Single-use Plastics; from Active and Sustainable School Travel to Create Your Own Action.
• All actions are connected to curriculum, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as relevant worksheets and resources.
• The platform tracks tailored and shareable metrics (such as waste diversion and greenhouse gas emissions) through a distinct Impact page.
• Schools track their impact over time on the platform and can compare their journey to other schools across the country.

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. Any school that creates a plan on the EcoSchools Certification Application but is unable to submit for certification (a minimum of 50 points) will be recognized as a Participant school.

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.

• Registration for EcoSchools certification opens on Monday, September 25, 2023. Registration is open to all schools in Canada.
• The final deadline for you to submit your application for the year is the second Friday in May.
• Schools who submit by the early bird deadline of the last Friday in April will be eligible to win a prize. More details to come.
• NOTE: Schools aiming for Platinum certification must complete the Platinum Eligibility Questionnaire by the last Friday in February.
• Schools aiming for Participant, Bronze, Silver, or Gold recognition can register with the program at any time before the final deadline—though we suggest starting earlier in the school year to ensure there’s enough time to create and implement your action plan, and update your online application.

Certification is free for all publicly-funded schools in Canada. 

Independent/private schools pay an annual fee to apply for certification and access the online EcoSchools Certification Application (ECA). This fee enables access to curriculum-linked resources and certification recognition materials. The annual fee also provides schools with access to certification support throughout the year from EcoSchools Canada staff.

School boards/districts can pay a small annual fee to become a Member Board or District, which includes access to an EcoSchools Certification Application (ECA) administrator account, support tools and resources, and enhanced certification support and guidance from EcoSchools Canada staff. Visit the Board/District Membership page for more information.