Program 3: Engaged Communities
This project will examine various components of a new Low Carbon Schools Pilot Program being trialled in Perth, to determine their effectiveness in helping to reduce schools' operating carbon emissions, primarily from energy use. Considering the pivotal role schools play within our communities, it will also examine whether the participating schools (through their low carbon initiatives) can influence community awareness, knowledge and action on climate change and decarbonisation.
Using social network analysis, the project will analyse the amount and types of partnerships formed as well as the reach of knowledge around climate change and low carbon living with a variety of community stakeholders including local businesses, community groups, councils, parents and others connected to the school. Through interactive workshops, information sessions and regular meet-ups, the 15 participating schools will be assisted to develop and implement their own individual Low Carbon Action Plans.
This project builds on successful completion of the ‘Carbon Tools and Frameworks for Institutional Precincts’ scoping study which ran from June to October 2014. The scoping study reviewed existing carbon-related programs, initiatives and tools to determine how they differ, their benefits and limitations and their uptake. Importantly, this study provided a coordinated, strategic framework and map to understand how the programs related to each other and how/if they could be integrated to a broader framework.
For further information about how the pilot is helping schools in Perth lower their carbon emissions, visit the ClimateClever website.
Program
Project leader
Dr Vanessa Rauland
Project status
Complete
Project period
06/2014 to 07/2018
- Publications
- Posters
- News
- Partners
Fact sheet
RP3020 FACTSHEET: Schools taking the lead in our low carbon transition
We designed a new Low Carbon Schools Program to help reduce the operational carbon emissions from energy, water and waste in school buildings. The program also built community awareness, increased knowledge, and provided opportunities for initiatives to be implemented in the home. Fifteen schools were chosen to participate in the trial (10 primary and five secondary). The schools ranged in size from 80 students to 1400, though in 2016, the numbers increased significantly for several schools.
rp3020 low carbon schools 20180911 (505122 PDF)
CRCLCL Project Reports
RP3020: Report: Carbon Tools & Frameworks for Institutional Precincts Stage 1: Low Carbon, High Performance Schools
The following report presents the results of research conducted on how to best deliver low carbon, high performance schools in the Australian context.
The term ‘high performance’ was used to reflect the increased performance in both the buildings and physical infrastructure of schools that pursue sustainability, as well as improved academic performance due to the increased health and productivity benefits associated with better buildings and facilities.
The research included a literature review, two workshops and a survey with teachers and other stakeholders affiliated with schools. The report addresses the following areas:
- Key benefits and opportunities for schools to improve their overall performance by pursuing carbon reduction;
- Key issues, challenges and problems facing schools attempting to reduce their emissions, and what additional processes, resources and assistance schools need to help them actively measure, monitor and reduce their carbon footprint;
- Opportunities to develop carbon performance benchmarks and targets for schools;
- Identification and categorisation of the existing school sustainability programs in Australia, with a primary focus on carbon;
- Evaluation of the tools in terms of their ability to quantitatively assess and reduce emissions at the school level;
- Identification of pathways to create a standardised framework and system for schools seeking carbon neutrality.
The report is written for anybody working with schools, including teachers, admin and school support staff, Education Departments, academics, professionals, parents and the general public. The report aims to highlight the multiple reasons for pursuing carbon reduction, and provide some ideas and incentives to encourage greater uptake.
RP3020 Stage 1 report : Low Carbon, High Performance Schools (5589270 PDF)
CRCLCL Project Posters
Research Snapshot Poster - RP3020
Research Snapshot A3 size poster from Participants Annual Forum 2014
Research Snapshot Poster - RP3020 (1051021 PDF)
Students save schools thousands of dollars via ClimateClever App
27 March 2018
Australian school students are learning how to measure and reduce their school’s carbon footprint, saving schools almost $30,000 collectively on utility bills by using the ClimateClever Program.
The ClimateClever Initiative, a low carbon, educational program underpinned by an innovative, data-driven App, is supported by the CRC for Low Carbon Living.
The program is being rolled out nationally after the success of its two-year pilot program in Western Australia involving 8,729 students across 15 schools, resulting in 83 tonnes of carbon emissions being saved along with significant energy and water savings.
Towards Zero Carbon video series launched
07 December 2018
Seeing is believing, and a new video series from the CRC for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL) entitled Towards Zero Carbon illustrates how six years of innovative research is now becoming a reality.
Four videos kick off the series that reveals how CRCLCL research projects about ports, tourism, schools and buildings are lowering carbon emissions in all aspects of urban life.
RP3020: News Article: Schools taking the lead on climate action
18 December 2017
Fifteen schools in Perth are currently finishing up a two-year Low Carbon Schools pilot program, demonstrating how easy it is to take action on climate change, given the right tools and support. A new ClimateClever program is being launched in 2018, and is seeking new schools to participate.
The Low Carbon Schools program was inspired by South Fremantle Senior High School (SFSHS), which in 2012 achieved a significant feat by becoming the first certified Carbon Neutral school in Australia...
Read the full article in The Fifth Estate
RP3020: News Article: Perth schools needed for low-carbon pilot program
1 September 2015
SimplyCarbon in Perth is accepting applications for schools in the Perth metropolitan area interested in being part of a low carbon schools pilot program being run in partnership with the City of Fremantle.
The program aims to help schools reduce their carbon emissions from energy by 20 per cent. It will also provide workshops where participants can learn skills and knowledge needed to reduce resource consumption, carbon emissions and costs.
Read the full article in The Fifth Estate
Media Release: WA Schools Take Action on Emissions
28 July 2016
Fifteen Perth schools have joined the Low Carbon Schools Pilot Program, an 18-month initiative led by SimplyCarbon with support from the City of Fremantle and the CRC for Low Carbon Living. The program helps schools cut carbon emissions through tailored action plans, monthly collaboration, and student-led sustainability projects.
Workshops have equipped staff and parents with tools to reduce energy use and costs. Millennium Kids Inc is engaging students to lead their own carbon-reduction initiatives. Curtin University’s Portia Odell is studying the program’s social impact, highlighting the importance of community in tackling climate challenges.
This first-of-its-kind program in Australia has already drawn interest from local councils, with Fremantle, Cockburn, and Melville sponsoring most participating schools.
Media Contact:
Dr Vanessa Rauland (vanessa@simplycarbon.com.au)
0422 865 776
Partners on this project
- Curtain University
- City of Fremantle