Dozens more schools will reduce their energy power bills and lower their emissions thanks to a further $5.4 million investment, delivered through the Allan Labor Government’s Greener Government School Buildings program.

Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced the latest round of the Labor Government’s $20 million program for the installation of solar panels at schools.

Schools submitting successful applications will join the 404 others already taking part in the first three rounds of the initiative –helping them lower emissions and reduce the costs of powering school campuses – helping reach the Labor Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2045.

Currently, when complete, it’s expected the program will:

• Save schools more than $4.5 million on their power bills each year
• Remove the equivalent of more than 3,000 cars from the state’s roads through reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 21,900 tonnes
• Generate the equivalent of enough energy to power almost 2,000 homes by achieving a total installed capacity of 16,200 kilowatts across school buildings.

The Greener Government School Buildings program removes the upfront costs of installing a solar power system that may otherwise discourage schools from doing so.

This will help Victoria meet its nation-leading renewable energy and emissions targets of 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045.

For more details about the Greener Government School Buildings program or to apply, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/greener-government-school-buildings-program.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll

“Schools need to use significant amounts of electricity to power students’ learning. That’s why we’re investing in them becoming more energy efficient, sustainable and climate resilient, while reducing running costs.”

“As well as saving money on their power bills now, participating schools will be helping the students of tomorrow by contributing to reaching our goal of net zero emissions by 2045.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re helping more schools reduce their power bills and lower emissions by harnessing the power of the sun through solar.”