Council session: Sustainability for Metro North schools

Did you know that ResourceSmart Schools is a free program that can help you achieve your sustainability targets and we can help you?

Join the ResourceSmart Schools team in partnership with CERES Community Environment Park to find out more about the award-winning program that helps schools to embed sustainability across the school facilities, community and curriculum.  

This online event will provide council officers with

• An update from Sustainability Victoria and the circular economy
• Ideas for how councils and council officers can work with schools
• Time to ask questions and share ideas

This event is perfect for council environment and sustainability officers in Southern Metropolitan Melbourne looking for ways to connect with councils in their area.

Who we are

CERES Community Environment Park are a leader in environmental education and have facilitated the ResourceSmart Schools Program since 2008. CERES have a wealth of experience working with schools on sustainability in the Metro North & South Region including coordinating Teacher Environment Networks.

Guided by Sustainability Victoria's new Strategic Plan, ResourceSmart Schools Program is transitioning to a focus on circular economy.

Joining the ResourceSmart Schools Program is a key action identified in Environmental Sustainability in Schools Policy (2023), Victoria's Climate Change Strategy (2020) and the Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan for the Education and Training Sector (2022-26). The impact of ResourceSmart Schools is accelerating Victoria’s transition to a circular, climate resilient clean economy, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Our impact

Since 2008, more than 1,600 schools have participated in the program. Together, they have:

• saved more than $60 million on bills
• planted 5.2 million trees
• saved more than 74,000 tonnes CO2e greenhouse gas emissions
• diverted 168,000 cubic metres of waste from landfill
• saved 1.8 million kilolitres of water.

Agenda

10:00am	Welcome and Introductions
10:10am	Sustainability Victoria: What's Happening Around the State? e.g. Policy updates, opportunities, state-wide events
10:25am	CERES: ResourceSmart Schools and Councils e.g. RSS school spotlight, opportunities for councils to support schools with sustainability and RSS, and Teacher Environment Network mapping/future opportunity discussion
10:45am	Council Presentation: Sustainability Offerings in Schools e.g. Project name, outcomes, learnings etc.
11:05am	Group Discussion e.g. feedback from attendees on any other ways councils are supporting schools in this space and exploring further opportunities for collaboration

We look forward to hosting you for an interactive, important and inspiring session.

Please note this event will take place via Microsoft teams. Any details you supply will be treated in accordance with Sustainability Victoria’s Privacy Policy. This event is designed specifically for Victorian councils. Should you have any questions, please email school schools@sustainability.vic.gov.au.