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COOLSCHOOLS: Green schoolyards for a healthy future
We’re excited to share a summary of the COOLSCHOOLS research project (2022–2025), which explored how nature-based solutions in school environments can drive climate resilience, social equity, biodiversity, and educational innovation across European cities.
Through COOLSCHOOLS, we explored the importance of bringing green spaces into schools for the benefit of students, educators, and the community. Indeed, green schoolyards provide new experiential learning opportunities, relief from and resilience to climate change, shelters for biodiversity, and for the community! The foundations of the project’s research, and a thorough analysis of the value of green schoolyards are outlined in the COOLSCHOOLS publications.
In addition to its research to help mainstream green schoolyards throughout Europe, the project produced practical resources to help teachers and school leaders through green transformations. Explore how to start your school on its green path with the Guidelines for Schools or discover how to make the green transformation a meaningful learning experience for students with the Nature-based Climate Shelters in Schools Massive Open Online Course (archived). The project has also supported futures thinking in education development through a Policy brief for Ministries of Education outlining key recommendations for policy makers across Europe.
The three years of activities of COOLSCHOOLS are summarised in a practical booklet, showcasing key findings on accessibility, biodiversity, children’s development, socio-cultural perceptions, governance, and educational transformation.
Discover how green schoolyards are reshaping urban futures—from Brussels to Barcelona, Paris to Rotterdam. Dive into the booklet here and find out more about COOLSCHOOLS’ legacy through the Scientix® Repository of Projects.