EcoSchools offers a five-step process that is used consistently throughout the EcoSchools program. The purpose of the five-step process is to provide an organized and systematic way for schools to implement the program.

Step 1. Establish the EcoTeam Include representatives from across the school community. Please see the Introduction to EcoSchools and the Five-Step Process Guide for helpful and concise information about who should be on the team, what the EcoTeam does, how to facilitate good teamwork and the special role of the principal.

Step 2. Assess the needs of the school through the EcoReview to discover where energy can be conserved.
Assess the needs of the school through the EcoReview to discover how your school can become more environmentally responsible. EcoReviews have been developed for energy conservation, waste minimization and school ground greening.

The EcoReview will identify what you are doing well, and provide the evidence for what needs improvement.  An assessment rubric and tips for conducting your EcoReview appear in each of the EcoSchools guides (Energy Conservation, Waste Minimization and School Ground Greening: Designing for Shade and Energy Conservation). 

Step 3. Identify priorities and develop the Action Plan for conserving energy in your school.
Once the EcoTeam has completed the EcoReview(s), you will have a summary of the environmental practices at your school. The results of the EcoReview identify areas for improvement and help the EcoTeam prioritize what will be addressed in the Action Plan. Sample Action Plans that illustrate school-wide engagement strategies appear in the individual EcoSchools guides.

Step 4. Implement the Action Plan involving the entire school community. Emphasize whole school participation. Please see the Introduction to EcoSchools and the Five-Step Process Guide for suggestions about supporting team members and developing communication strategies both to make your EcoSchools initiatives stand out and to encourage broad participation.

Step 5. Monitor and evaluate progress. Recognize and celebrate successes.
Please consult the Introduction to EcoSchools and the Five-Step Process Guide for
helpful tips. Give your Action Plan at least 3 months to engage the school and change behaviour. Complete a follow-up EcoReview to evaluate your progress and identify areas where improvement is still needed.