From back left is Sunrise Energy Management consultant Mark Smith, teacher Emma Malinowska, City of Casey’s environmental projects officer David Westlake, Ainsley, Stacey, Thomas, Greenhouse projects officer Dan Pleiter, principal Marjorie Scarce, and front are Zac, Rohan, Mikaela, Danielle, Jackson, Jordan and at the front is Brad.By Callan Date
CASEY schools are doing their bit for the planet and reducing greenhouse gases.
Students from Tooradin, Hampton Park and Hillsmeade Primary schools along with Hallam’s Eumemmerring College are all working closely to fight global warming as part of the Planet Savers program.
Environmental organisation the Westernport Greenhouse Alliance Group, the City of Casey and energy audit company Sunrise Energy Management advised the schools on how to save energy.
Casey engineering and environmental service manager David Richardson said involvement in the Planet Savers program enabled the council to engage its community in reducing greenhouse emissions.
“The four Casey schools already involved in the program are to be congratulated for taking local action and initiative,” Mr Richardson said. The program involves schools undertaking energy audits to identify where they can reduce greenhouse emissions within the school and how they are implementing these actions.
Switching off unused lights and computers, replacing traditional lights with fluorescent globes and using more efficient heaters and fans are just three of the many simple energy saving initiatives schools have come up with.
Tooradin Primary School principal Marjorie Scarce said it was exciting to be involved in the program as it takes the campus one step closer to becoming a fully energy efficient school. “Our school is aiming to educate our students and local community towards a sustainable future … and teach children to be aware and conscious of our impact upon the environment,” Ms Scarce said.
