Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has invited entries into what has become the state’s largest awards relating to sustainability for schools, the 2020 ResourceSmart Schools Awards.
The awards are among a number of initiatives enacted as part of the ResourceSmart Schools project, which aims to build skills and knowledge in students to help them move towards a more sustainable future.
D’Ambrosio said the programme has attracted international recognition, being named the gold winner in an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Energy Smarts Communities award category for Smart Jobs and Consumer.
An estimated 200,000 students from 1,400 schools have so far been touched by the programme, which was first introduced in 2008. Flyer printing to promote awards such as this is often undertaken to spread the word.
The Minister estimated the schools who have taken part have successfully saved about $27 million through water, waste and energy savings and efficiencies and she said the programme was giving them a chance to make a real difference, adding:
“These awards are a great way to recognise the efforts of school communities across the state that are reducing waste and saving money – while sharing these learnings with their local communities.”
Entries will be accepted until March 16.