An exciting opportunity now exists for schools to implement sustainability projects through the Australian government’s National Solar Schools Program (NSSP), which is offering every school in Australia up to $50,000 to install water collection systems, solar hot water, grid-connected solar panels, shade awnings, insulation, sensors, ceiling fans and double glazing. For the guidelines go to: http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/nationalsolarschools/guidelines/pubs/nssp-guidelines.pdf
Not all schools have staff time to take advantage of this funding. To address this, Sustainable Living Tasmania (SLT) and Corey Peterson from MacKillop College will help facilitate the application process by providing you with practical information to help with your decision and by putting you in touch with approved suppliers and installers.
What MacKillop College has done
MacKillop College has already undertaken two major projects with the help of Australian government funds available to schools for water conservation and solar power projects. They have also undertaken a number of other projects such as our Food Garden with funding support from Coles Landcare and a Reconciliation Garden supported by the Catholic Education Office and the Aboriginal Community.
The water conservation project involved designing and installing a stormwater collection and storage system for use in watering the front lawns and oval. The system is anticipated to save up to 1.2 megalitres a year. This was achieved through a competitive grant application process wherein MacKillop achieved the maximum funding of $50,000 from the Federal Community Water Grant Programme with the remaining $23,000 from local businesses, our Parents and Friends, individuals, and the College itself. The first phase of the system is up and running.
The solar power effort involved installation of a grid-connected 2kW photovoltaic system on theScience/Library building. The system will incorporate significant educational elements for students and the wider community. This has been paid for by the College itself and a $12,000 grant from the Federal Government Photovoltaic Rebate Program for schools.
Using NSSP funding, MacKillop foresees expanding these systems by installing another 45,000 litre stormwater tank and pump to another outflow point that will be reticulated to the main toilet block for use in flushing toilets. They will also install low water use toilets, urinals and flow restrictors. They also plan to double the size of the grid-connected photovoltaic system on the Science/Library building, as well as installing solar hot water systems.
Advantages for schools
Projects funded by the National Solar Schools Program improve your school’s environmental performance, help combat climate change, save your school money, and increase the amenities of your buildings and grounds.
For more information contact Corey Peterson at coreyp@mackillop.tas.edu.au or Helen Pryor at helen@sustainablelivingtasmania.org.au
