Sustainability the key to award-winning free program

SUSTAINABILITY Victoria is inviting schools across Bendigo to join an award-winning free program that promises to help them embed sustainability practices across their facilities, their curriculums and communities, while reducing resource use and saving money.

Since 2008 over 1600 schools have participated in the program – ResourceSmart Schools – saving over $68 million on bills, diverting 170,000 cubic metres of waste from landfill and planting over five million trees.

More than 110,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and 1.9 million kilolitres of water have also been saved.

ResourceSmart Schools facilitator Loddon Mallee Emily Condon said schools that join the program will learn, practice and share ways to integrate sustainability via access to a free online portal, professional development and teaching resources.

“As the local facilitator I provide personal support to schools and offer sustainability sessions online and face-to-face for the whole school community, helping drive positive changes both in the classroom and across school operations,” she said.

“As well as generating savings on utility bills and enhancing biodiversity, the program provides student leadership opportunities, supports student and community wellbeing, and enables connections with other schools, local organisations and community groups.”

ResourceSmart Schools recognises and rewards schools through sustainability certification, where stars are obtained through completion of modules and meeting benchmarks for resource use.

Each year, 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 the amazing sustainability initiatives being implemented in Victorian schools and the people behind them,” Ms Condon said. “I encourage all schools to join the program. Together we can build a future we need.”

Find out more at Sustainability Victoria or email [email protected]