Overview
Reducing energy consumption is the simplest way to reduce a school’s environmental impact. Schools seeking to improve their energy efficiency are encouraged to take a whole of school approach to sustainability.
The energy module helps your school reduce energy use and save on bills. Schools work on energy conservation, energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gases and improving air quality.
If signing up and committing to the ResourceSmart Schools program it is recommended to start and complete the core module first then proceed with other modules in any order or the same time.
If not signing up to the program, schools can utilise the energy resources to become more sustainable.
Key areas
Workplace/operational
Complete a school energy use audit and create an energy plan to manage energy use in the school grounds through retrofitting, new technology and maintenance.
Learning and teaching
Explore curriculum activities that engage students in learning how to be more sustainable users of energy.
Whole school community engagement
Engage the whole school in energy smart behaviour and liaise with your community, government, energy networks and/or other schools.
Module completion
Complete 6 compulsory actions and a minimum of 24 of the 39 recommended actions to meet certification requirements.
Resources
| Resource | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| ResourceSmart Schools energy module checklist (DOCX, 124.2 KB) | A list of all actions to help each school through the ResourceSmart Schools program energy module. | 18 July 2022 |
| Quick guide energy module (DOCX, 95.0 KB) Quick guide energy module (PDF, 122.5 KB) | This guide helps a school to work through the Energy Module. | 14 March 2023 |
| ResourceSmart energy efficiency annual action plan (DOCX, 96.6 KB) | Use this yearly action plan template to reflect the activities your school would like to undertake to improve energy efficiency. | 1 August 2022 |
| ResourceSmart energy audit tools (DOCX, 1.0 MB) ResourceSmart energy audit tools (PDF, 7.0 MB) ResourceSmart comprehensive energy audit excel tool (Excel, 93.6 KB) |
The ResourceSmart energy audit tool offers 2 options for schools to undertake their energy audit, basic or comprehensive.
Guidance on how to choose the right option for your school is contained within the ResourceSmart Schools energy audit tool document. If after reading the ResourceSmart energy audit tool document your school decides to use the comprehensive audit option, please use ResourceSmart Schools comprehensive energy audit excel tool to record the information. | |
| Energy – Electrical maintenance plan template (DOCX, 107.7 KB) | This template helps schools to manage maintenance of electrical appliances including heating and cooling systems. | 14 March 2023 |
| Energy – Switch off procedure template (DOCX, 108.1 KB) | This template helps schools document their switch off procedures. | 14 March 2023 |
| Energy – School zero net plan template (DOCX, 106.1 KB) | This template helps schools document their approach to reducing emissions. | 14 March 2023 |
| Green purchasing policy template (DOCX, 112.2 KB) | This policy template helps schools articulate their purchasing structure that promotes the sustainable procurement and use of resources. | 14 March 2023 |
| ResourceSmart Schools curriculum links: Level F to 6 (PDF, 14.2 MB) | Helping schools to build sustainability into their curriculum in all subject areas from foundation to grade six. | 18 July 2019 |
Additional Energy resources
- Energy saving tips for Victorian schools – There are some simple ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced at schools that can help to save money on energy bills. Visit the Education website.
Contact us
ResourceSmart Schools Education Team
Sustainability Victoria
1300 363 744
schools@sustainability.vic.gov.au
Page last updated: 24/09/26