While many have rested up during these school holidays, the British Gas Generation Green team have been hard at work!

These dedicated youth eco-education specialists have spent the summer overhauling their programme, to ensure that British children will learn much more about eco-awareness and energy efficiency over the next school year.

Since it launched in 2008, over 10,500 schools have joined the Generation Green programme and the initiative is looking forward to more growth in 2010.

Katie Alloway from the Generation Green team says: “We've listened to all the feedback we've received from teachers up and down the country – and we think they're going to love the changes we've made as a result.”

As well as an updated website, there are also improved lesson plans, teacher resources and more rewards on offer as well as a bigger, better Generation Green programme waiting to inspire young people when they return to school.

Following British Gas' recent announcement of a 15 million pound investment in solar technology for the nation's schools, a series of competitions will launch on 13 September. British Gas are offering to install solar powered systems in up to 750 winning schools - 25 of which will be given away in partnership with the Daily Mail. To win, schools will need to outline how they plan to use the solar panels to engage their parents and local community on sustainability issues, as well as show how the solar panels will benefit pupils in class while learning about climate change and sustainability.

And if that wasn't enough, applications for one of 12,000 Energy Display Meters to be fitted by British Gas on behalf of the Department for Education will close on 31st October. Over the coming months, British Gas Business is looking to install thousands in schools that have already applied, allowing schoolchildren to become experts in energy efficiency while helping their schools to reduce their energy consumption.

Schools can sign up to Generation Green online at www.generationgreen.co.uk where they can also download many new resources and lesson plans.