About the Department

Environmental Sustainability - Tools and Resources

This page provides access to a number of tools and resources available to help schools reduce their impact on the environment.

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ResourceSmart Schools

ResourceSmart Schools is the umbrella that links the wide range of sustainability programs available to Victorian schools.  ResourceSmart Schools is an initiative of the Victorian Government, and is managed by Sustainability Victoria.

Integrating state and federal programs, ResourceSmart Schools brings together a consortium of sustainability educators and delivery organisations to help Victorian schools minimise waste, save energy and water, promote biodiversity, and cut their greenhouse gas emissions.

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Energy reduction tools

Tool for the Replication of Energy Efficiency in Schools (TREES) - a downloadable tool that allows you to calculate the energy usage and greenhouse emissions of your school and explore ways of reducing them.

Energybusters School Passport (PDF - 983Kb)

Energybusters Student Passport (PDF - 673Kb)

The School Energy Shutdown Guideline (PDF - 455Kb)

Energy Toolbox  

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Water use reduction tools

Schools Water Efficiency Program (SWEP)

The SWEP is a program initiated by Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).

The SWEP involves an indoor water audit of the school site, the development of a water efficiency report outlining works by level of priority to improve water efficiency and the implementation of priority retrofit works.

Due to the success of the program, the SWEP is now mandated – schools have saved on average 13% water savings.  However, Victorian Government schools do not have to pay for the water audit component (cost $1,000–$3,000) and can pay for the retrofit works through ongoing water savings.

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Environmental sustainability grants & opportunities

National Solar Schools Program

The National Solar Schools Program (NSSP) is an Australian Government initiative from the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

Grants of up to $50,000 (GST exclusive) to install solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems and other renewable power systems, rainwater tanks and a range of energy efficiency measures.

Victorian Government schools can also access further funding for PV systems through the Victorian Solar in Schools Initiative (VSiS) (see below).

Both programs help support the energy module of the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative Victoria (AuSSi Vic) Framework 

Victorian Solar in Schools

Victorian schools, kindergartens and eligible community organisations can apply for Victorian Solar in Schools (VSiS) Initiative funding.

This initiative supports Victorian schools and community facilities to install solar photovoltaic (PV) power systems, interactive energy monitoring systems and provide educational materials on renewable energy and energy demand.

Round Three of the Victorian Solar in Schools Initiative opened in July 2008 for schools.

Care4it ‘Energy Efficiency’ Competition

Win $10,000 and a trip to Geneva in an international competition. Care4it is a competition supported by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), to which Australia belongs.  The competition is open to all schools worldwide and students under 18 years old are invited to submit their ideas for improving electrical energy efficiency. For example, invent gadget to save electricity, create an international awareness campaign or a computer program or game to monitor electricity usage.  Applications close on 31 December 2008.

 

BlueScope Steel’s Tank A Day Challenge for primary schools

The challenge will provide a rainwater tank to a successful primary school in Australia every school day for the next year.

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Further information

For more information, see Environmental Sustainability websites.