The Andrews Labor Government is working with Victorian school students and teachers to help them become leaders in climate change through practical and achievable actions.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Anthony Carbines, today announced $1 million towards supporting and building sustainability education networks across Victoria to encourage ResourceSmart Schools to use less energy, produce less waste and increase vegetation in school grounds.
This funding will enable all 2,200 Victorian schools to have access to the ResourceSmart schools framework, including online tools and support, this year.
ResourceSmart Schools demonstrates measurable savings that can be achieved through teaching and learning, infrastructure upgrades, behavioural changes and community engagement.
Schools will have access to an online tool to share resources, track their environmental initiatives and plan sustainable practices within their school. All of the coordinator positions will be funded over the next 12 months.
While the program continues, the Labor Government will work to improve it as part of its election commitment to review all legislation and programs to commit to an achievable carbon emissions reduction target.
The ResourceSmart Schools program is delivered in partnership with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s Schools Water Efficiency Program and the Department of Education and Training’s Strategic Partnerships Program to improve sustainability in schools.
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Anthony Carbines
“We’re supporting Victorian schools and students to take the lead on climate action in practical ways, such as by reducing energy use and waste.”
“Kids take home the lessons they learn from school. Through this program, Victoria will have a generation of leaders who preserve our environment, and the jobs and way of life it supports.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020