Generation Green Schools (pilot programme now closed)
Generation Green Schools was a Business in the Community Northern Ireland work‑inspiration pilot initiative, funded by the Generation Green Community Fund by SSE Airtricity. The programme aimed to empower post‑primary students to become informed, confident sustainability leaders and to build awareness of the growing range of green careers.
The pilot programme has now closed. However, schools can continue to access the Generation Green Schools Resource Hub, which remains available as a free library of sustainability toolkits, lesson ideas, biodiversity resources, and career‑inspiration materials.
About the Pilot Programme
Between September 2025 and June 2026, 45 post‑primary schools across Northern Ireland participated in the Generation Green Schools pilot. The programme was designed to build students’ knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills across four key sustainability themes:
- Carbon Literacy – understanding climate science, impacts, and action
- Energy Matters – exploring renewable energy and sustainable solutions
- Circular Economy – reducing waste and designing smarter systems
- Biodiversity – protecting nature and local ecosystems
Each participating class received four facilitated sessions, supported by industry volunteers and aligned with curriculum priorities. The pilot focused on schools in areas of socio‑economic challenge, helping to widen access to green skills education and future career pathways.
Pictured L>R back row: Keelin McCone, Head of Environment, Business in the Community; Vicky Boden, Senior Community Investment Manager, SSE; Stephen Gallagher, Managing Director, SSE Airtricity; Dr Lisa McIlvenna, Managing Director, Business in the Community. Front row: Eva Bettany, Student, Newtownabbey; Oisin McCone, Student, Armagh.
Volunteering
Professionals working in sustainability‑related industries played a vital role in the pilot by sharing their career journeys, supporting classroom sessions, and contributing to the Generation Green Schools Digital Hub.
While in‑school volunteering for the pilot has ended, businesses and individuals can still support the initiative by providing career‑profile content or short videos for the Resource Hub.
For Schools
Places are still available on a limited basis. If you are interested in taking part, please contact environment@bitcni.org.uk
Schools can continue to use the Generation Green Schools Resource Hub to access free sustainability resources, classroom materials, and careers information.
Further information
- Generation Green Schools helps shape NI’s future workforce by connecting pupils with real-world green careers – Business in the Community
- Erne Integrated College wins Generation Green Schools competition with solar windows concept | Press Release
- Business in the Community’s green schools project awarded SSE Airtricity support | Press Release
- Listen | U105 interview Frank Mitchell with Dr Lisa McIlvenna, Managing Director, Business in the Community NI
- Generation Green Schools Resource Hub
- Generation Green Schools | Nendrum College, Comber
- Generation Green Schools | St Cecilia’s College, Derry
- Generation Green Schools | St John the Baptist’s College, Portadown
- Generation Green Schools | Fort Hill Integrated College, Lisburn
- Click here to contact us for more information
