SV's role
We design and manage the RSS program, develop the learning modules, host and operate the RSS digital platform, engage with participating schools, coordinate delivery partners, and provide support and facilitators to regional schools.
ResourceSmart Schools
Last updated: 22 April 2024
ResourceSmart Schools (RSS) is an award-winning program that helps schools to embed sustainability across the school facilities, community and curriculum. Schools join the program, then have access to our digital platform where they learn and practice ways to integrate sustainability.
Start date:
2008
End date:
Ongoing
Location:
Statewide
Eligibility:
All Victorian schools
Partners:
Department of Education, CERES, Environment Education Australia, Eastern Alliance for Sustainable Learning (EASL)
Key components:
RSS Online, RSS Awards, delivery partners, facilitators
Participants:
More than 1,500 schools
Funding:
Sustainability Fund
How it works
ResourceSmart Schools is a free program open to all Victorian schools and supported by the Department of Education and the national curriculum sustainability is one of 3 cross-curriculum priorities in the Victorian Curriculum F–10.
The program consists of 5 modules: core (sustainability audit and strategy), energy, waste, water and biodiversity.
Participating schools can access a community of sustainability experts to help them understand and implement sustainability across their curriculum.
Schools record their progress on the ResourceSmart Schools digital platform – where they can track their environmental initiatives and calculate their impact. The platform also provides access to lesson plans and other resources from schools across Victoria.
The ResourceSmart Schools digital platform underwent a significant upgrade and transformation in 2022, to reflect the changing program, our user needs, and to improve the user experience.
Schools can also enter the annual RSS Awards, hosted by us, which recognises and celebrates Victoria’s most sustainable schools each year at a prestigious awards ceremony.
Recognition
Banksia Education for Sustainability Award (2015), Energy Smart Community Initiative Best Practices Awards (2019), Digital CX and Digital Transformation Award (2023).