The program supports schools to implement sustainability across school facilities, the curriculum and community, while reducing resource use and saving money.
Since 2008, more than 1600 schools have participated in the ResourceSmart Schools program.
Participating schools 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 more than 110,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Loddon Mallee ResourceSmart Schools facilitator Emily Condon said schools that joined ResourceSmart Schools benefited greatly from the program.
“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 ResourceSmart Schools 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.
Through completing modules and meeting benchmarks for resource use, schools can progress from one star up to five stars and become a Leadership School.
Each year, participating schools can also enter the ResourceSmart Schools Awards — a celebration of schools taking remarkable sustainability action.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/hb69btny
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