ResourceSmart Schools Energy Module
Energy consumption is Victorian schools’ greatest impact on the environment.
Reducing energy consumption is the simplest way to reduce a school’s environmental impact. Schools seeking to improve their energy efficiency are encouraged to take a whole of school approach to sustainability.
The Energy Module helps your school reduce energy use and save on bills. Schools work on energy conservation, energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gases and improving air quality.
The Energy Module involves three key areas:
- Workplace/operational
Complete a school energy use audit and create an energy plan to manage energy use in the school grounds through retrofitting, new technology and maintenance.
- Learning and teaching
Explore curriculum activities that engage students in learning how to be more sustainable users of energy.
- Whole school community engagement
Engage the whole school in energy smart behaviour and liaise with your community, government, energy networks and/or other schools.
If signing up and committing to the ResourceSmart Schools program it is recommended to start and complete the Core Module first then proceed with other modules in any order or the same time. If not signing up to the program, schools can utilise the Energy resources to become more sustainable.
Module completion
Complete 6 compulsory actions and a minimum of 24 of the 39 recommended actions to meet certification requirements.
ResourceSmart Schools Energy Module resources
ResourceSmart Energy Module checklist
18 July 2022 – A list of all actions to help each school through the ResourceSmart Schools program Energy Module.
Quick Guide Energy Module
14 March 2023 – This guide helps a school to work through the Energy Module.
ResourceSmart Energy Module Annual Action Plan
1 August 2022 – Use this yearly action plan template to reflect the activities your school would like to undertake to improve energy efficiency.
ResourceSmart Energy audit tools
The ResourceSmart Energy Audit Tool offers two options for schools to undertake their energy audit, basic or comprehensive.
Guidance on how to choose the right option for your school is contained within the ResourceSmart Schools Energy Audit Tool document.
If after reading the ResourceSmart Energy Audit Tool document your school decides to use the comprehensive audit option, please use ResourceSmart Schools Comprehensive Energy Audit Excel Tool to record the information.
Energy – Electrical Maintenance Plan Template
14 March 2023 – This template helps schools to manage maintenance of electrical appliances including heating and cooling systems.
Energy – Switch Off Procedure Template
14 March 2023 – This template helps schools document their switch off procedures.
Energy – School Zero Net Plan Template
14 March 2023 – This template helps schools document their approach to reducing emissions.
Green Purchasing Policy Template
14 March 2023 – This policy template helps schools articulate their purchasing structure that promotes the sustainable procurement and use of resources.
Curriculum links: Level F–6
18 July 2019 – Helping schools to build sustainability into their curriculum in all subject areas from foundation to grade six.
Additional Energy resources
- Clean Energy Council – Clean Energy Council run student events for Clean Energy Week and Global Wind Day and provide resources for teachers and students.
- Energy saving tips for Victorian schools – There are some simple ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced at schools that can help to save money on energy bills. Visit the Education website.
Want to know more? Get in touch with:
ResourceSmart Schools Education Team
Sustainability Victoria
1300 363 744
schools@sustainability.vic.gov.au
