Leading by Doing: Camberwell Grammar's ResourceSmart Schools Success

Camberwell Grammar School has prioritised sustainability for many years, committing to the ResourceSmart Schools (RSS) program in 2017. This commitment formalised years of community engagement, bringing structure to the school's journey by embedding sustainability across its facilities, community, and curriculum. Since joining, the school has saved $2.3 million and significantly reduced its environmental footprint, achieving a 61% reduction in emissions.

In 2020, the school’s commitment deepened with the integration of sustainability into the school’s strategic plan, with a focus on ‘conducting sustainable and secure operations’. This ambition led to the establishment of a Net Zero by 2030 initiative in 2023 and the hiring of a full-time Sustainability Project Coordinator, Ms. Jo Menzies, to oversee and advance projects aligned with these goals. The ResourceSmart Schools program continues to support this mission, providing an online portal where students and staff learn and action areas of sustainability.

The school’s 2023 RSS efforts saw a marked reduction in electricity, landfill, gas, and water usage since the 2017 baseline, alongside a rise in recycling rates. For example, landfill contributions per student have decreased from 3.48 m³ in 2017 to 0.71 m³ in 2023, and water consumption dropped from 16.32 litres to 10.14 litres per student over the same period. Recycling efforts have also improved, increasing from 0.12 m³ per student to 0.72 m³.

Reflecting on these achievements, Jo Menzies acknowledges the positive progress while emphasising the work still needed to reach RSS benchmarks and net zero targets. She notes that further efforts in responsible purchasing, increasing recycling and biodiversity, reducing landfill, and promoting active transport are essential.

‘Streamlining data reporting, analysing resource performance, integrating sustainability into our curriculum, and engaging the community are critical next steps,’ she explains.

Emma Ham, the school’s RSS facilitator from the Eastern Alliance of Sustainability Learning (EASL), applauds Camberwell Grammar's ambitious net zero 2030 target, calling the school a leader in sustainability. The recent RSS Core Module and 1 star accreditation highlights the school’s dedication to sustainability.

Emma said the RSS program has been a crucial tool in helping the school reach these goals, especially as they aim for 5 Star RSS status with strong leadership support.

‘The school is driving positive change, committed to reducing its environmental footprint, and generously sharing its strategies with other schools,’ says Emma.

Ms. Menzies values the structure RSS provides, especially in curriculum and community engagement, saying, ‘Every school can start somewhere, even if it’s just with small steps. ResourceSmart Schools offers a network of contacts, engaging workshops, and a dedicated facilitator who provides essential support.’

The collaboration between Camberwell Grammar’s executive, operational, and teaching teams underscores the school’s commitment, and Ms. Menzies maintains a biweekly check-in with Emma to align on program goals and receive resource-rich updates that help drive their sustainability initiatives forward.

Student wellbeing and agency

Empowerment, wellbeing and student agency are priorities for Camberwell Grammar’s Headmaster Dr Paul Hicks. 'Instilling knowledge in students that they possess the power and agency to bring about positive change is important,' said Dr Hicks. 'Starting in their own surroundings and extending to make the world a better place is a priority.'

The sustainability student groups include Towards 2050, Year 6 to 12 students, and the Green Ninjas, Prep to Year 5 students. The school elects a Year 12 Environment and Sustainability Prefect who is involved in whole school student projects and actions.

Prep to Year 5 students meet weekly to collaborate on projects, gardening and events. Passionate staff guide the groups and offer opportunities to students. 'We have learned that we can make small changes, and that those changes accumulate to make a big difference,' explains the headmaster.

Jo adds, 'Students really enjoy the engagement. Our weekly meetings highlight students’ interests and passions and expose them to real life issues to discuss and resolve.'

The RSS program’s biodiversity module outlines learning and community actions. The school’s open spaces are popular and there is opportunity for students to engage in the garden and beekeeping groups.

Jo explains, 'Students have proposed increasing outdoor green spaces to enjoy during their breaks. The edible garden weekly activity attracts students from across year levels, where likeminded peers can engage in a safe space, while occupied with an activity.

'Recently, students conducted an RSS Biodiversity Audit, observing and recording flora and fauna species, assessing soil health, and evaluating habitat quality to calculate a Habitat Quality Assessment Score (HQAS). This hands-on experience gives students a real-world opportunity to understand and actively contribute to enhancing biodiversity on campus.'

Networking opportunities offer extra support

Through its partnership with the school’s RSS delivery partner EASL, Camberwell Grammar School has gained valuable opportunities to network with other schools and sustainability contractors.

Jo shares, 'For school’s beginning their sustainability journey or not getting the adequate support, sustainability can feel overwhelming or isolating. RSS offers a network where educators and experts come together to share strategies, successes, and challenges that benefit everyone involved. At the end of the day, we’re all committed to doing our part to secure a sustainable future.'