Werribee Primary School pupils have extra wattage in their smiles after the school was named a finalist in the Energy Primary School of the Year.
The school is one of four across the state vying for the prize in this year’s ResourceSmart Schools Awards following a sustained effort in energy reduction.
Werribee Primary installed a 27 kilowatt solar panel system at the end of last year, which generates 27 per cent of the school’s electricity – and up to 48 per cent at the sunniest part of a sunny day.
The school has also saved $17,500 by implementing various energy efficiency measures between January 2014-16, and has avoided emitting six tonnes of carbon dioxide by reducing its energy use.
Figures from Sustainability Victoria reveal better waste management facilities at Werribee Primary have resulted in the equivalent of 13 garbage trucks full of waste being diverted from landfill.
Sustainability leader Jo-anne Wembridge said it was the fourth year the school had been a finalist in these awards.
“It’s a good opportunity for our students to talk and share what we’re doing with other schools,” Ms Wembridge said.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in November.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas congratulated the school on being a finalist.
“The success of ResourceSmart Schools comes down to its practical and hands-on approach to learning for students,” Mr Pallas said.
