Going Green – a Checklist for Early Childhood Education Centres

This guide has been adapted by the ECC from the “Go Green Rating Scale for Early Childhood Settings” by Phil Boise (2010, Redleaf Press).

The Going Green Checklist enables Early Childhood Education Centres to conduct their own assessment of the extent to which they are environmentally-friendly and environmentally-focussed. The checklist provides a comprehensive view of all areas of the centre and should be used as a precursor to the development of a centre “Green” plan identifying areas requiring attention and the actions required to address them.

The scoring system uses a simple 5-point scale where “1” means the centre does not do this; and “5” means the centre has this area under good control.

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  1. Administration

We have a “Green Plan” for our centre that details our goals and actions
Green is a permanent item on the agenda for our team meetings
  1. Inspections

  1. We regularly inspect all classrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, storage rooms and areas, laundry facilities, office areas, staff rooms, sheds, playgrounds and other areas

  1. Training

3.1All staff receive training in the centre’s green policies and goals
  1. We minimise waste in our centre

4.1We reduce purchasing and packaging, re-use materials and re-cycle to the greatest extent possible by buying general materials in bulk where possible and re-packing; re-cycling and buying long-life products
4.2We purchase office products that are re-cycled and environmentally-friendly
4.3We do not permit food to have food or drinks while they are using art and crafts materials
4.4All art and craft materials are non-toxic and environmentally-friendly
4.5All toys and other purchased materials are made with non-toxic and environmentally-friendly materials
4.6We use electronic communication methods and processes wherever possible to minimise paper waste
4.7We ensure any hazardous products we use are properly disposed of (light bulbs, cleaners and pesticides, computer consumables)
  1. Food

5.1We use washable plates, cups and utensils
5.2We discourage the use of single-use containers
5.3All water bottles used by children are stainless steel or BPA-free plastic
5.4We purchase food in bulk quantities wherever possible
5.5Excess food is re-used (fed to animals), or composted so as not to attract pests
5.6Organic and GE-free food is used wherever possible
5.7We conserve all water used in our centre
5.8We harvest rainwater for cleaning and irrigation
5.9All drinking water is filtered
  1. Energy

6.1We use low energy light fittings and electronic equipment
6.2We undertake an annual energy audit
6.3We maintain a high level of energy efficiency, including (but not limited to) weather stripping around doors and windows; signs on switches and power points; motion-sensor lighting; ceiling fans to re-circulate warm air or keep things cool; programmable thermostats; energy star certified appliances; double-glazing
  1. Green Building

7.1Our building meets local council energy efficiency and green standards
7.2Our building incorporates easy-clean surfaces in all areas
7.3No lead paints are used in our Centre
7.4We inspect any fire retardant surfaces and materials for damage or deterioration and take immediate steps to repair
7.5We do not use fluorescent lighting containing mercury in our centre
  1. Carbon Footprint

8.1We have measured our carbon footprint and have a plan to reduce it
  1. Involving Children and Families

9.1Children are involved in our Green campaign
9.2We promote our Green campaign to families, suppliers, colleagues, staff and others
9.3All contractors and visitors to our centre are advised of our Green policies
9.4All parents are notified annually of the chemicals and pesticides used at our Centre
9.5Notices are posted for parents advising in advance of the use of pesticides at our centre
  1. Cleaning

10.1We use kitchen-grade products (dishwash powder/liquid, vinegar, etc)
10.2We use commercial cleaning products that are clearly labelled and are pH-neutral and environmentally-friendly
10.3We hold information sheets on all chemical products, so appropriate first aid may be administered in the event of accident
10.4We use a high-heat wash in our dishwasher to ensure eating and cooking items are appropriately cleaned
10.5We only use disinfectants where necessary; following the label directions for product use; including recommended dwell time and product storage
10.6All personal cleaning products (handwash, etc) are environmentally-friendly
10.7We screen all cleaning products annually
10.8All playground equipment is cleaned regularly
10.9All sand areas are covered when not in use
  1. Air Quality

11.1We maintain information on children and adults in our facility who have allergies or other sensitivities
11.2We use fresh air or a filtered ventilation system with a fresh air exchange
11.3Ventilation systems are well-maintained with regular filter changes as specified
11.4There is no smoking in or near our centre
11.5We check pollen counts during known pollen seasons
11.6We ensure separation between feathered or furry animals and children with sensitivities
11.7We use hyper-allergenic materials wherever possible
11.8We wash/launder soft toys, bedding and other material items children come into regular contact with, regularly
11.9We regularly monitor for mould and mildew
11.10We use carbon monoxide alarms
11.11We prohibit the use of leaf blowers around our centre while children are present
11.12We have no asbestos products in our centre
11.13We maintain a “no-idle” zone near all doors and opening windows at our centre for vehicles and provide signage to support this policy
11.14We have rough door mats at each entrance
  1. Pest Management

12.1We have an active pest management plan
12.2Any pesticides, pest traps and bait are positioned well away from areas where children have access
  1. Grounds

13.1We do not use fertilisers in children’s gathering or play areas
13.2We do not have any treated lumber products, including retaining walls, in areas accessible to children, at our centre

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