The Andrews Labor Government is recognising the leadership of Victorian students, teachers, schools and communities in combatting climate change and saving resources by embracing sustainability.
Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp MP today congratulated Notre Dame College for being named a finalist in the Emerging School of the Year in the 2022 ResourceSmart Schools Awards.
Staff and students at Notre Dame College wanted to take action that reflected the sustainability priorities of their school community, therefore proactively formed Terra Tomodachi – the school’s action team that supports audits and promotes sustainability.
Using data from a survey of nearly 2,000 students and staff, the project team along with Sustainability Coordinators found that waste management was the top concern and have since identified improvement opportunities to implement in the school community.
This year’s finalists demonstrate the power of student-led initiatives – from kickstarting sustainability action plans, to auditing resources at home and at school, uniform repair workshops, environmental film festivals and building a butterfly garden.
ResourceSmart Schools is a free Government program delivering sustainability education to Victorian schools to minimise waste, save energy and water, promote biodiversity and act on climate change.
Since 2008, over 1,400 Victorian schools have participated, saving a total of 118,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases. In 2021, the schools participating in the program reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 15,075 tonnes, and cut energy costs by $4.3 million throughout the school year.
The awards categories recognise students, teachers and school volunteers, as well as curriculum leadership and community leadership.
This year a new award, Emerging School of the Year, will acknowledge schools who started their sustainability journey from July 2019 onwards. From among this year’s finalists, one school will be recognised as the overall winner of the ResourceSmart School of the Year.
Winners of this year’s awards will be announced at an awards ceremony at the MCG on 2 June 2022, ahead of World Environment Day.
For information about this year’s finalists please visit: https://sustainability.vic.gov.au/resourcesmart-schools-awards
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“Congratulations to all the schools that entered this year’s awards, and for showcasing your incredible achievements. Your sustainable thinking and action show that our future is in very good hands.”
“Victorian students are some of the most passionate environmental advocates in the country, and the quality of entries in this year’s awards really demonstrate how acting now will create a better future.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Climate empowerment starts in the classroom. We’re celebrating students, teachers and schools who are learning and acting, inspiring contributions to our goal of net-zero by 2050.”
