Recognising the efforts that teachers, students and parents make to positively impact the environment, entries for Sustainability Victoria’s ResourceSmart Schools Awards are now open.
Started in 2008, the ResourceSmart Schools Awards celebrate schools and projects that positively contribute to the community, campus and curriculum through sustainable practices.
Since the awards program was launched, it has reached over 1300 Victorian schools and 96 early learning services. To date, participants have saved over $23 million through energy, waste and water savings; and avoided over 60,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases.
The ResourceSmart Schools Awards is the largest sustainability awards program for schools in Victoria. Sustainability Victoria CEO, Stan Krpan, encourages all government, independent and Catholic schools across the state to participate
He said that the ResourceSmart Schools Awards are a great way to celebrate young Victorians and school communities that are embedding sustainability into everything they do.
“The Awards recognise the fantastic work that Victorian primary and secondary schools are doing to make their local areas better, make a real difference and help reduce the impact of climate change,” said Mr Krpan.
“This is your opportunity to tackle climate change as a school community so get involved and celebrate the role you’re playing to make a positive difference to the planet.”
Mr Krpan added that Victorians should be proud of the fact that 50 schools within the state have achieved 5-Star certification in the ResourceSmart Schools program. “These schools are leading the way and inspiring other communities across the state to do the same,” he said.
“The impact they’re having goes beyond cost and emissions savings for the school. We’ve seen local students take on leadership roles and have a direct input into their school’s environmental plans, taking pride in the achievements of the whole school and sharing their sustainable ideas with their families and communities at home.”
“These awards look inside Victoria’s schools, to showcase the innovative and inspiring action they are taking to combat waste, climate change, support the environment and involve their community.”
Entries are now open and close on 1 April 2019. For more information or to enter, please click here.
Image: Mount Waverley Primary School is among the school’s to have achieved 5-Star certification from the ResourceSmart Schools program. (Photo courtesy of Sustainability Victoria.)