SUSTAINABILITY Victoria is inviting schools in Kilmore to join ResourceSmart Schools, an award-winning program that supports schools to embed sustainability across school facilities, the curriculum and community, all while reducing resource use and saving money.
Since 2008, more than 1600 schools have participated in the ResourceSmart Schools program. Together, they have saved more than $68 million on bills, diverted 170,000 cubic metres of waste from landfill, planted more than five million trees, saved 1.9 million kilolitres of water, and saved more than 110,000 tonnes of CO2e greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainability Victoria Director Regions and Community Action Paul Murfitt emphasised the benefits of the program.
“This free program recognises and rewards schools through sustainability certification,” he said.
“Stars are obtained through completion of modules and meeting benchmarks for resource use and are valid for four years.
“Schools can progress from one star up to five stars and move towards becoming a Leadership School.”
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Participating schools can also enter the ResourceSmart Schools Awards, the state’s largest celebration for primary and secondary school students, teachers, and school volunteers taking remarkable sustainability action.
“The ResourceSmart Schools Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge sustainability legends, amplify success, and reflect on the sheer amount of work being done by Victorian schools in sustainability,” Mr Murfitt said.
“I encourage all schools to showcase the environmental work they’re doing, no matter how small.
“Together, we can build a future we need.”
For more information, visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/our-work/resourcesmart-schools.
Interested parents and carers are encouraged to share the program with their school, and explore the opportunities available for students.
