Wednesday, 7 February 2018

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region has congratulated Yinnar South Primary School for reducing its environmental impact through the Victorian Government’s ResourceSmart Schools program.

The ResourceSmart Schools program has helped more than 1,300 Victorian schools save more than $20 million through energy, waste and water savings and prevented more than 58,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere since 2008.

Schools participating in the program are awarded up to five stars for completing modules in relation to water, waste, energy, biodiversity and provided with assistance from sustainability experts.

Yinnar South Primary School has been awarded 2-Star certification for completing the required ResourceSmart Schools modules and meeting benchmarks for energy, water and waste usage.

Thirty-five schools have received star ratings and certificates this school term.  In Victoria over 700 schools have a ResourceSmart School certification, with nearly 50 of those schools achieving an amazing 5 stars.

The Andrews Labor Government delivered $4.4 million in 2017/18 Budget to expand the ResourceSmart Schools program.

Ms Shing is encouraging other schools in Gippsland to sign up for the ResourceSmart Schools program if they haven’t already.

For more information on Sustainability Victoria’s Resource Smart School Program visit: www.resourcesmartschools.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to the Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“This certification recognises the great work of the dedicated teachers and staff at Yinnar South Primary School.

“The program gives kids fantastic, hands-on understanding of sustainability and the environment. Embracing a culture of sustainable living in our schools is incredibly important, and I thank all students, teachers and parents for contributing towards their certification.”