Investing in the future - schools and sustainability

Perhaps one of the most critical goals for the future of the human race is to ensure our planet is sustainable. Education is vital to achieving this goal, and our schools can play a major role in ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow are prepared to assume responsibility for creating and enjoying a sustainable future.  

Educating today’s students on environmental issues happens, not only through the curriculum and formal teaching, but through a proactive whole-school approach to environmental responsibility. One of the best ways for schools to create globally responsible citizens is to lead by example, making responsible choices when it comes to school resources – an approach many of our Catholic schools are already employing.

Here are a number of simple ways that schools can reduce their impact on the environment:

• use paper, sticky notes, file folders, notebooks and binders made from recycled materials
• only print from computers when absolutely necessary
• laminate paper handouts for reuse or use a smartboard, data projector or whiteboard in place of paper handouts
• use pencils manufactured from recycled materials with minimal packaging
• purchase recycled products such as stationery, toilet paper, paper towels and furniture
• ensure photocopiers accept recycled paper and print double-sided
• collect printer and copier cartridges for Planet Ark to recycle
• recycle e-waste such as appliances and computers
• establish a three bin system to manage and recycle waste
• establish a system for the return of food scraps for composting and use leftover food scraps for compost

Click here for more ideas and teachers’ notes.

For schools who are looking to develop, implement and maintain a sustainability plan, Church Resources, a charitable trust, established by the Bishops of the Catholic Church, has launched 'Greening Communities'. As part of the program, independent assessors will provide advice on environmental products to schools and other not-for-profit organisations and church agencies in order to help them decide the most appropriate approach and products for them. For more information phone Church Resources on 1300 248 724.

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) agrees that it’s time for Australia’s schools to go green. According to Romilly Madew, the GBCA’s Chief Executive, green schools and universities can enhance student learning, create a better workplace for teachers and boost a school’s competitiveness. 

'Green schools save operating costs for the district, provide a healthier learning environment for students, and support a more sustainable community,' said Ms Madew.

While ‘going green’ can lead to cost savings for schools, all large scale changes involve set-up costs, a fact recognised by the Australian government. In response to the need for greener schools, the government has launched the National Solar Schools Program (NSSP). Under this program, all Australian schools, government and non-government, are eligible to apply for grants of up to $50,000 to install 2 kilowatt solar panels and a range of energy efficiency measures. The aim is to enable schools to take practical action to save energy and water while cutting their utility bills.

At the time of publication, several schools in the Diocese of Parramatta have already had grants approved as part of this program, with many other applications in the process of being lodged and approved.

Clare Catholic High, Hassall Grove has received the full grant in order to install a 2kw solar power system, retractable awnings and three 25,000 litre water tanks with pumps. Principal, Brigid Eljed says she is very excited about Clare receiving the grant and predicts the green changes will have a very positive impact on the school.

'As a school that tries to follow the Franciscan tradition in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of the environment, we believe it is important to do everything we can to care for the environment.

Due to the ongoing water restrictions Clare had to close their grassed area for running ball games. Once the water tanks are in place they hope to redevelop the grassed area which will greatly improve the outdoor learning opportunities they are able to offer students.'

'The solar panels will not only reduce our electricity costs and allow us to reduce our demands on less environmentally friendly sources of energy; but will also be used to generate data that will be incorporated into Science projects and experiments,' said Brigid.

Mary Immaculate Primary, Quakers Hill have also been approved for the full grant and are installing a 6kw solar power system. Principal, Peter Stoyles says parents, staff and students collaborated on the decision top install a solar power system in the school.

'We have recently finished installing air-conditioning across the whole school and we are very aware of how much energy this uses. The solar power system was a logical choice for us,' Peter said.

Mary Immaculate Primary has been actively involved in environmental education for many years, with Year 6 students establishing and caring for their own vegetable garden and all students taking part in initiatives such as 'Clean Up Australia Day'. Peter feels that raising environmental awareness among students is an important responsibility of Catholic schools.

'We are in a powerful position with young minds and positive role-modeling is essential. When it comes to the environment we need to teach not just through the curriculum, but by setting a good example. Our solar power system will help us do that, showing our students something tangible that we are doing for the environment. The added bonus is that the green energy will save us money on the running costs of the school, money that can be put back into improving learning opportunities,’ said Peter.

Other schools in the diocese with approved grants are:

• St Bernadette’s Primary, Lalor Park - for the installation of a 3.2kw solar power system and energy efficient lighting

• Terra Sancta College, Schofields and Nirimba - for the installation of a 6kw solar power system on each campus
  

• St Marks Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens - for the installation of a 2.2kw solar power system and motorised retractable awnings

• St Patrick’s Primary, Guildford - for the installation of a 3.4kw solar power system and energy efficient lighting
  

• St Bernadette’s Primary, Castle Hill - for the installation of a 3.9kw solar power system and two, 25,000 litre water tanks with pumps

Schools interested in applying for a grant should visit the program’s website.

Schools and interested parents and students are also advised to check with their local councils to find out what grants they may be offering for environmental projects. Blacktown City Council for example, operates an Eco-Active Schools Program, offering grants totalling $30,000 to schools in the Blacktown Local Government Area to carry out an environmental project over 12 months. Suitable projects may cover water or energy conservation, waste reduction, bush regeneration, biodiversity or water quality.

Similarly, the Hills Shire Council awards Green Grants Funding, small grants of up to $2,500 made available for schools in the Hills Shire for environmental equipment (Streamwatch Kits), environmental projects or assistance with implementing School Environmental Management Plans. The Hills Shire Council also facilitates a Schools Green Network, a group of teachers, parents and students interested in the environment. The group meets once per term at a host school to share information about environmental grants and awards, discuss environmental initiatives and gain support and advice for environmental education projects.

At a time when it seems the whole world is focused on the state of the environment, our schools are not alone in their bid to achieve sustainability. There is support available to help our schools have a positive impact on the world, and by utilising the help on offer, our Catholic schools can ensure that their actions speak just as loud as their words when it comes to teaching the next generation how to look after their world.

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