- Published:
- Thursday 29 March 2018
One hundred Victorian government schools will take part in the Greener Government School Buildings Pilot Program creating lower energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Andrews Labor Government program supports schools to introduce cost saving measures such as solar energy systems and lighting upgrades, and helps them be more efficient by running energy audits.
This will help schools reduce costs and their carbon footprint. Participating schools are required to pay back the cost for the upgrades over a period of five years based on the savings achieved by the school each year – after which each school will keep 50 per cent of the savings generated.
The Victorian School Building Authority will work with schools to install improvements this year, with schools paying back the cost of investment from 2019 onwards.
This program is part of a $2.8 billion investment by the Labor Government to improve classrooms, upgrade facilities and build new schools across the state.
This school building boom has delivered more than 1,200 school upgrades and 64 new school projects across the state, supporting more than 5,000 construction jobs for Victorians.
The Labor Government is reducing its impact on the environment by including environmental sustainability principals into the design, construction and refurbishment of all government schools.
It is estimated that the whole of government Greener Government Buildings Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25,000 tonnes each year.
Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“This is about supporting schools to save on their power bills and help students learn about being more energy efficient.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re transitioning our energy sector in a timely and efficient way that delivers what Victorians need – secure, reliable and affordable electricity.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Finance Robin Scott
“Victoria is leading the way when it comes to tackling climate change and this initiative is just further evidence of that.”