Charles Clarke has launched a new action plan to make schools, colleges and universities more environmentally friendly.

Speaking to a Sustrans Safe Routes to Schools conference on Tuesday, the education secretary outlined initiatives such as increasing recycling at sites managed by his department and introducing sustainable design ideas to new school buildings.

Schools will be given greater curriculum resources on sustainable development issues, while students will be encouraged to get involved in the decision making process on sustainable development policies in their institution.

There will also be greater links between UK schools and schools around the world, added Clarke.

"Schools, colleges and universities comprise more than five per cent of all buildings in the UK and it is therefore vital that their resources are managed efficiently and in an environmentally responsible way," he said.

"Gone are the days when we could ignore this. It is no longer a side issue - caring about our environment is important for us all.

"We also have a duty to help young people develop the knowledge, values and skills to become responsible citizens in their communities. They should be aware of wider global environmental and developmental issues."

"My department will provide the leadership that is vital to achieving our aims but as school travel planning has illustrated, it is local action and partnership that bring results," he added.

The announcement was welcomed by the Sustainable Development Commission.

"It is hugely encouraging to see the department move so rapidly to adopt an action plan of this kind, and to do so in a way that should engage the entire sector in bringing sustainable development right to the heart of the educational system," said chairman Jonathan Porritt.