What is ClimateCam for Schools?
ClimateCam is an innovative program designed to assist schools to become more environmentally sustainable. The program encourages schools to work to achieve 'eco stars' to display on their ClimateCam plaque which is provided when your school signs up. There is no cost to join the ClimateCam program.
At present, 52 local schools are participating and working towards earning Silver, Gold and Plus Stars to display on their ClimateCam Plaque.
ClimateCam for Schools is a milestone based program designed to assist schools in using resources more effciently by;
- encouraging schools to manage and upgrade to more water and energy efficient hardware and equipment.
- raising awareness and encouraging behaviour change within the school community to reduce resource consumption.
The program provides a range of resources and hands-on educational opportunities related to energy and water efficiency, waste reduction and recycling, climate change and environmental sustainability.
Stars and awards
A key component of the program is working through the ClimateCam Stars to make your school more sustainable. Schools work through the milestones at their own pace, and in any order. There are 18 Stars and for each milestone that your school achieves you will receive a star to display on a ClimateCam plaque. Stars are presented at individual school assemblies, which provide the opportunity for the whole school to participate in the celebration.
The core stars
Participating schools work through the ClimateCam Stars at their own pace. The first eight core stars of the program are:
- Environmental plan
- Energy and water monitoring
- 3 Star taps and bubblers
- Waste recycling
- Trees for carbon
- Rain water tank
- Dual flush toilets
- Smart lighting
Schools receive a gold or silver star depending on the level of requirements met. Silver stars are available for education programs when retrofit of facilities has not been possible.
The ClimateCam plus stars
The ClimateCam plus stars are:
- Energy water waste policy
- Environmental events
- Curriculum
- Food gardens
- Waste avoidance
- Efficient heating and cooling
- Energy efficient appliances
- Out of hours energy
- Renewable energy
- Weather watch
ClimateCam is managed by Wetlands Environmental Education Centre.
Teacher and student training days are held at various times through the year to support schools in the program. WEEC staff are available to visit schools to provide support and activities for the program.