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Global Citizenship - Energy

This maintenance theme gives schools the chance to revise the Energy theme while looking at issues surrounding energy on a global scale. The most obvious global link to the energy theme is of course Climate Change, the most serious environmental problem of our time and is intrinsically linked to our energy use.
Sustainable Development Goals

The Global Citizenship Energy theme is an opportunity to build on the excellent work you've already undertaken as a Green- School, and to give it a global dimension. A Global Citizenship approach can help you to discover how your efforts to reduce energy use and tackle inequalities contribute to a global movement for more sustainable livelihoods, systems, and practices.

Find out more about this theme, upcoming events and competitions, and theme resource clicking on the button below.
Find Out More about GC Energy 2025-26

Getting Started on GC Energy

The most obvious global link to this theme is Climate Change as this, the most serious environmental problem of our time, is intrinsically linked to energy use. The problems associated with Climate Change are vast, and they impact both the environment and people all over the globe, in particular people in developing countries. The Global Citizenship approach you will take throughout this theme will help you to discover how your efforts to reduce energy and tackle inequalities contribute to a global movement for more sustainable livelihoods, systems, and practices everywhere. 

Facts & Figures

Global Goals Book Club

Explore the 17 Sustainable Development Goals through books suitable for all ages in our Global Goals Book Club. Click the button below to access a book for almost all SDGs (with more on the way) and the recordings and resources to bring the stories and the goals to life!

Take me to the Global Goals Book Club

What You Can Do

  • Turn Off the Lights when no-one is in the room. Put stickers on light switches to remind everyone to turn off the lights at the end of class.
  • Use energy efficient light bulbs (compact fluorescent light bulbs). These bulbs use ¼ of electricity as normal light bulbs and last up to 12 times longer!
  • Turn Off Appliances when not in use. Remember, leaving appliances on stand-by uses energy so remember to switch them off.
  • Put stickers on photocopiers, computers and other appliances in school to remind everyone to turn them off.
  • Turn Down the Heat! Turning the thermostat down by 1°C can reduce your heating bills by 10%.
  • Check all windows and doors to see where draughts are coming in. If you identify draughts get your parents or teachers to seal them up or get the students to make a draught excluder using old clothes!
  • Turn Off the Taps! A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they’re fully turned off!

Useful Links

Ask About Energy
SEAI school
Energy in Education
Commission for the Regulation of Utilities

We have seen a dramatic reduction in our electricity and oil costs. Our children are much more aware of the need to conserve energy and do this as part of their normal day. They view themselves as Global Citizens and have a greater understanding of what they have in common with children living around the world. They also have a greater awareness of the interdependence of all – and how this translates into the need to use renewable energy where possible.

Scoil An Spioraid Naoimh, Roxborough, Ballysheedy, Co. Limerick
Explore the 17 Sustainable Development Goals through books suitable for all ages in our Global Goals Book Club. Click the button below to access a book for almost all SDGs (with more on the way) and the recordings and resources to bring the stories and the goals to life!
Global Goals Book Club

Case Studies

We have an extensive range of resources covering all themes.
View all the case studies
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St. Peters National School, Dromiskin

St Peters National School received the Green Flag for Global Citizenship - Energy in 2016. They currently have 11 teachers and 227 students attending the school.

  • Global Citizenship – Energy
Check the case study
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St. Brigid’s Girls National School, Palmerstown

St. Brigid’s GNS is based in Palmerstown and was awarded the Green Flag for Global Citizenship - Energy in 2016. The school presently has 20 teachers and 360 pupils in attendance.

  • Global Citizenship – Energy
Check the case study
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St Joseph’s Secondary School, Castlebar

St. Joseph's Secondary School is an all girls school in Castlebar, Co. Mayo. There are 480 students and 30 teaching staff. They were awarded the Green Flag for Global Citizenship - Energy in May 2016.

  • Global Citizenship – Energy
Check the case study
Ballinamore-CS-4

Ballinamore CS, Co. Leitrim 

Ballinamore is a co-ed secondary school with 320 pupils and 30 staff. The committee comprises three different classes and the student council.

  • Global Citizenship – Energy
Check the case study

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