Programs & funding

Victorian Government

The Victorian Government has a number of programs and funding available to improve sustainability in schools. These include:

TREES

The Tool for Replication of Energy Efficiency at Schools (TREES) is a software tool that can be used to make significant energy, greenhouse gas and financial savings, and can be incorporated within the school’s curriculum in subjects like science and mathematics.

Schools can save an average of $4000 and at least $2,000 every year by reducing energy consumption.  Schools can import their own energy use data and calculate improvements.

TREES offers 18 energy saving actions that schools can undertake, with the resultant energy, greenhouse gases and financial savings calculated, as well as the number of trees that would need to be planted to abate these greenhouse gases.

In order to help them identify where they can save energy, all schools have been sent a lux meter (to show areas that are over-lit) and a thermometer (to identify if appliances are running too hot or cold).

Sustainability Victoria

Sustainability Victoria has a number of programs and initiatives designed to increase Victoria's environmental sustainability. These include rebates (e.g. photovoltaics and solar hot water), funding and grants, recycling programs and building initiatives. A number of schools have successfully accessed funding under the Victorian Solar Innovation Initiatives (VSII) in Community Facilities scheme.

Waste Wise Schools

The Waste Wise Schools program was developed through extensive consultation with teachers and integrates easily into school operations and existing curricula. Benefits include: free professional development workshops with teacher release payment; comprehensive curriculum and guidance resources; ongoing specialist advice and access to an experienced schools network; recognition & awards; and reduction of waste, litter and associated costs.

Sustainability In Schools

Sustainability Victoria is working to determine a government environmental sustainability framework for Victorian schools in collaboration with the Department of Education and Training, the Department of Environment and Sustainability, the Environment Protection Authority, Melbourne Water and City West Water. This initiative builds on the Victorian Sustainable Schools Pilot, recent Sustainability Education Roundtables and links with the national Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative (AuSSI), National Environmental Education Statement and the draft Learning to Live Sustainably Strategy as part of the Victorian Government's Our Environment, Our Future.

Schools Water Efficiency Program (SWEP)

This is available to help all schools connected to a reticulated water supply to save water and help promote water awareness throughout the community. This $3 million program is part of the Victorian Government’s Our Water Our Future Policy. Schools joining the Program will set a valuable example to their local communities that saving water is an important every day activity.

The Program offers a simple solution to water conservation, through focusing on simple measures, such as fitting flow-control valves and fixing leaky taps or cisterns. It will also help provide a good understanding of where future works may best target water savings.

There are three stages to the program: Site assessment, Report and Implementation. Upon completion of the Program, schools will receive official recognition as a Water Saver School.