Sustainable Schools

ResourceSmart Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative (AuSSI) Vic has evolved from a program developed by CERES and the Gould league called Sustainable Schools over 10 years ago. ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic is currently an initiative of the Victorian Government and is managed by Sustainability Victoria.

Schools who participate in the ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic program are provided with a 'consultant' who assists with the development of a whole school approach, building sustainability into the fabric of everyday school and community life.

Integrating State and Federal programs, the framework brings together sustainability educators and delivery organisations to help Victorian schools minimise waste, save energy and water, promote biodiversity, and cut their greenhouse gas emissions.

ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic consists of 5 modules:

• Core Module,

• Waste Module,

• Energy Module,

• Biodiversity Module and

• Water Module

ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic has a 5Star Certification process. On completion of the Core module schools receive their 1st star, Certificate of Completion of the Core Module and a sign for the school. Under the new government 5Star certification, schools that have completed all modules and are demonstrated leaders in resource savings and community engagement have been awarded 5Stars. To read more about this process please click on the following link.

http://www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/documents/5Star_Sustainability_Certi...

The first three 5Star schools were recognised in 2011 by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith. See media release.

If your school would like to be added to a waiting list for a funded module in 2012 if we are successful with Sustainability Victoria funding, please click on the link below to access information on CERES and ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic in 2012.

CERES and ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic in 2012

To submit an Expression of Interest for a funded module in 2012, please go to - http://sustainability.ceres.org.au/RSAuSSIVic2012 and complete the online form.

To understand the commitments of the program please refer to the 2012 CERES ResourcSmart AuSSI Vic MoU.

Quantative data is gathered, using school utility bills and other auditing tools, using the School Environment Tracking System, as developed by Carbonetix. Please visit our SETS resource page for access to resources and 'how to' guides.

ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic is the collaboration of different organisations, coming together to support schools and their contribution to a sustainable future.