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