|
At Maramba Primary School we are celebrating becoming a five
star Sustainable School. We have switched to part green energy
which helps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. We have
reduced our energy and water consumption and are continuing
to look at new and innovative ways to reduce our environmental
footprint even further. The reduction in our energy consumption
between 2005 and 2006 has meant 20 tonnes less of coal being
burnt. This has decreased our greenhouse pollution by a volume
that would fill 171 train carriages.
Initially an audit was conducted by Sunrise Energy which
involved collating our energy, water, gas and waste accounts
over a two year period. Then we looked at the different ways
our school uses power. Light levels were measured in classrooms
and the effectiveness of the light banks was assessed. From
here we labelled the lights in the classrooms as not all lights
needed to be on at one time owing to the natural light through
windows. Sensors were fitted to high traffic areas and computers
were turned off at power boards that had an on and off switch
to further reduce our energy consumption and green house gases.
Energy accounts are now entered onto the Schools Environment
Tracking System which allows ongoing monitoring. Energy Monitors
have been appointed for each classroom to switch off when
appliances are no longer in use.
Our largest producer of greenhouse gases is the transportation
of students to and from school. Students are encouraged to
walk to school with some using The Walking School Bus. In
an attempt to reduce the school’s landfill waste we
have recycling of paper as well as aluminium, glass, tetra
packs and containers with the recycling symbol numbered 1,2,
3 and 5. Rubbish Free Lunches are also encouraged and monitors
called Nude Food Dudes check that no rubbish goes out into
the playground. This has resulted in clean and welcoming school
grounds. There is a weekly competition for the Golden Lunch
Box to further motivate students and parents. The grade three
team as part of their Sustainable Challenge are in the process
of implementing the use of worm farms to recycle our food
scraps. This is being supplemented with an Aerobin to further
increase our recycling of food scraps and green waste.
In the area of water we have become an accredited Live It
Learn It school. We have had flow control valves fitted to
all taps and installed a chemical urinal to further reduce
our water usage. The Planet Savers Club is working to reduce
our waste water run off by collecting the run off for use
on our gardens. They have participated in the Kid’s
Environmental Conference where they have moved through the
PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) process to address the problem
of run off, implement a solution and then present it to their
parents, local member and the Fountain Gate school cluster.
We have also applied for a water grant for a water tank and
for taps with automatic shutoff and timers.
Environmental changes were introduced to the school community
as a lifestyle choice. Signage is throughout the school to
reinforce the best environmental practice. In our weekly newsletter
we have Planet Saver’s Tips to inform the community
of environmental ideas and initiatives. We have kept the wider
community informed of our environmental initiatives through
the local newspaper, education networks and local radio. An
information board displays the graphs collated through the
School’s Energy Tracking System which put our energy,
water and waste savings into everyday terms. At Maramba Primary
School we have an Inquiry Curriculum which supports and challenges
students with their learning as well as encouraging them to
use their knowledge to take action in the community. Our environmental
focus is further reflected through this.
To achieve this Maramba Primary School has worked with the
City of Casey, C.E.R.E.S., Environment Victoria, Victoria
University, Australian Greenhouse Office, Sustainability Victoria,
Westernport Greenhouse Alliance, Energy Doctor and Sunrise
Energy.
Data results
Electricity usage between 2005 and 2006 has decreased by 16%
Water usage between 2005 and 2006 has decreased by 25%
Solid waste between 2005 and 2006 has decreased by 11%
With slight savings appearing for our gas usage
More
info.
For more information please contact Claire Boersma
on 9796 7150, email boersma.claire.e@edumail.vic.gov.au
or go to the Maramba Primary School website at http://www.maramba-ps.vic.edu.au.
|
