South Fremantle Senior High Goes Carbon Neutral
Kathy Anketell is the Carbon Neutral Project Officer for SFSHS, a position now entirely funded from savings made by reducing energy and water use at the school.
The SFSHS was opened in 1967 and in 2007 set itself the goal of becoming carbon neutral.
's story
SFSHS is working to become carbon neutral and a centre of learning for sustainability within its local community.
We began by securing the commitment of the school, establishing a dedicated working group with staff, parents and community members, employing a part-time officer and then conducting audits of our energy, waste and water use before agreeing a plan to systematically reduce our carbon emissions.
Actions already undertaken include reductions in:
Energy – from energy efficiency measures such as switching off hot water systems during holidays, putting timers on hot water and air-conditioning systems, upgrading to more energy efficient heating, and outdoor and recreation lighting retrofits; and renewable energy use including the installation of a solar hot water and a 5.5 kW solar power system.
Water – by upgrading to more water efficient toilets, introducing waterless urinals, waterwise shading outside the Library, the reduction of some lawn areas and installation of spring-loaded taps.
Waste – by introducing systems to recycle paper and cardboard; composting all food scraps and establishing productive gardens in school grounds that close the loop and reduce waste.
SFSHS has adopted a number of innovative funding models, including funding its Carbon Neutral Project Officer with savings from the school’s energy bills (though agreement with the WA Department of Education and Training). SFSHS has secured funding from many different organisations including the WA Department of Education and Training and Sustainable Energy Development Office, from the Australian Government via the National Solar Schools and AuSSI programs and from non-government sources including the HotRock Foundation and the Bendigo Bank.
We have actively engaged the local community and local businesses. For example, a partnership with Sungrid and Solar Unlimited saw a number of households linked to the school putting solar panels on their roofs, and in return an $11,500 system was donated to the school and opened by the then Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
SFSHS has also extended its commitment to becoming carbon neutral beyond its grounds and facilities and incorporated this into school curricula and activities. For example, students have participated in tree planting activities.
's recommendations
Some recommendations that might help other schools become more sustainable include:
- Get the whole school engaged through creating an ongoing working group with the principal, other admin and teaching staff, parents, community members and ideally students involved.
- Employ a part-time officer, initially with school funds if needed, with a dedicated role in greenhouse abatement activities, not split with teaching or administrative roles.
- Undertake an energy, water and waste audit so that you’re clear about what’s best for your school. Ideally engage an independent auditor who will give you ongoing backup advice and support when dealing with tricky issues. The audit provides a good foundation for forward planning and can assist you when obtaining quotes for any big ticket items. Ensure the auditor also takes on some data gathering that involves the whole school, both listening to their opinions and raising understanding of what contributes to greenhouse emissions. This can be through staff surveys and classroom energy and waste snapshots.
- Be proactive about networking with the local community including households and businesses. We have actively used the local media to establish a name for the school in greenhouse and sustainability endeavours and held some high profile opening events. The more you spread the word, the support and partnerships you are likely to engage. It also builds support and pride within the school.
- Explore a wide variety of potential funding sources including grants from local. State and Australian governments, contributions from local businesses and charitable foundations - it all adds up.
- Grant application can chew up considerable time to prepare so having a dedicated Carbon Neutral Project Officer has been crucial to our success in submitting applications and achieving success.
- Start with a focus on school buildings and facilities and then broaden sustainability activity focus to reflect the school’s commitment in its teaching, curricula (from business studies to art) and activities.
- Help others by sharing what you have learned. SFSHS is now acting as a mentor to other local schools.
- Implementing sustainable solutions in the area of heating and cooling can be especially troublesome as there are such a diversity of views of comfort and ways people work in a space. Trial solutions on a small scale first and engage with staff before, during and after to hear their viewpoints and discuss expectations.
Have a look at:
The "what schools can do about climate change" mindmap.
