ResourceSmart Schools modules

The ResourceSmart Schools program has 5 modules. It is recommended that schools complete the Core Module first.

Schools must accomplish a set number of actions to complete a module to receive a certificate valid for four years. It is recommended that the Core Module is completed first to develop a whole-school environmental management plan. The other 4 modules can be completed in any order, or at the same time. Each module includes a minimum number of actions for completion.

To assist schools with Sustainability Certification and to achieve school’s sustainability goals, a range of resources are available to help progress through each module. We have audit tools to help measure your school’s progress, now available in the Core, Water, Waste, Energy and Biodiversity Modules.

Baseline data and benchmarks

An important step in the ResourceSmart Schools program is to establish a Baseline and understand the Benchmarks.

  • The Baseline is a record of each school's resource use when they commence the program.
  • Benchmarks for waste, water and electricity are set as targets for schools to achieve.

Find out more about baselines and benchmarks.

Core Module
The Core Module assists to evaluate where each school is and where it wants to get to, and how it will get there.
Biodiversity Module
The Biodiversity Module helps schools to protect and improve the land (school grounds and surrounds), the local ecosystem, and plant and animal habitats.
Energy Module
Energy consumption is Victorian schools' greatest impact on the environment.
Waste Module
The Waste Module helps schools minimise waste sent to landfill and save on bills through the operational practices of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’.
Water Module
The Water Module assists schools to reduce water use and save on bills.
Curriculum
Sustainability is one of three cross-curriculum priorities in the Victorian Curriculum F–10.
Baselines and benchmarks
The Baseline provides a starting point to measure each school’s resource usage and shows progress in reducing resource use over time.