B9 Ecologically Sustainable Development

The ACT Government is focused on providing healthy and comfortable teaching and learning spaces to maximise the learning outcomes for all children. The Education Directorate acknowledges the role that Ecological Sustainable Development (ESD) plays in achieving this goal through project design and the efficient management of natural resources. The Directorate’s strategic priorities for ESD align with the ACT Government’s commitments to; energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, waste minimisation and resource recovery, water efficiency and sustainable transport. The Directorate’s priorities are informed by the strategic pathway outlined in AP2: A new climate change strategy and action plan for the Australian Capital Territory and the Carbon Neutral ACT Government Framework.

School-Based Sustainability

Information on operational consumption of resources for 2016-17 and 2017-18 for all ACT public schools is summarised in Table B9.1.

Table B9.1: School-based sustainable development performance 2016-17 and 2017-18

Source: Education Directorate’s Strategic Finance Branch, Enterprise Sustainability Platform (as at 20 August 2018), waste invoices

Notes: please see at the end of the section: End notes.

Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions

Electricity consumption in 2017-18 totalled 22,313,408 kilowatt hours (kWh). This is a decrease of 7.3 percent from 2016-17. Gas consumption totalled 128,529,271 megajoules (MJ) and is a decrease of 8.5 percent from 2016-17.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the reporting year were 16,776 tonnes of CO₂-e. This is a decrease of 28.16 percent from 2016-17.

Photovoltaic (Solar Panel) Systems

A total of 1,844 MWh of solar energy was generated from solar photovoltaic systems resulting in approximately $810k (excluding GST) of benefit for ACT public schools.

Solar photovoltaic systems installed at ACT public schools prior to 2014 receive the maximum tariff rate (45.7 cents/kWh) under the ACT Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) scheme for small-scale systems. The collective size of solar installations at public schools under this scheme is 1,200kW.

In 2017-18, schools re-invested FiT income into a diversity of environmentally sustainable initiatives including:

• LED lighting upgrades;
• recycling infrastructure including systems for composting, recycling and worm farms;
• bicycle facilities including bike racks;
• thermal window film;
• block out thermal window blinds;
• double glazed windows and automatic doors; and
• draught proofing of doors.

In addition to the gross fed systems which operate under the FiT scheme, a further 302kW[6] of net feed solar photovoltaic systems has been installed across 12 school sites.

New schools including the Margaret Hendry School in the suburb of Taylor will include a 100kW solar photovoltaic system. This will assist in mitigating increases in electricity consumption and demand at new schools where gas will no longer form part of the energy mix.

Building Tuning

Building tuning initiatives conducted in 2017-18 targeted gas use efficiency and increased thermal comfort of students and staff. Projects included building envelope improvements to enable better maintenance of internal temperatures by preventing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, improved efficiency of building heating systems to assist in reducing gas and electricity usage, and capacity building through the provision of draught proofing workshops to Building Service Officers.

The Directorate implemented three glazing upgrade projects in the 2017-18 reporting year to improve the performance of the building envelope, replacing single glazing with double glazing. A staged approach was adopted to manage disruption to schools and cost while maximising benefits. Projects were undertaken in the reporting year at North Ainslie Primary School (building on an open plan classroom and corridor upgraded 2016-17), Southern Cross Early Childhood School and Wanniassa Hills Primary School. Energy monitoring is taking place to determine the effect of the works on energy consumption. Significant improvement in student and staff comfort has been recorded.

Building tuning activities were also undertaken at Calwell High School, Harrison School, North Ainslie Primary School and Southern Cross Early Childhood School Taylor Primary School. Initiatives included:

• draught proofing;
• double glazing;
• thermal window film application;
• installation of a 3.7 ceiling fan to provide cooling and de-stratify air in winter;
• damper covers to prevent outside air from entering/exiting student learning spaces; and
• tuning of the heating, ventilation and cooling plant and equipment to enhance system efficiency.

A building control system at Calwell High School was scoped and tendered. The control system will enable efficient operation of the heating and cooling plant and equipment at the school. Installation of the control system began in June 2018 and is expected to be complete in the 2018-19 financial year.

Draught proofing workshops with Building Services Officers (BSO) were held in the April 2018 school holidays. The workshops provided information and training on methods and products available to draught proof schools. One workshop was held in each of the four school catchments. The hosting school provided the demonstration site for the workshop and in return received draught proofing products and the services of a draught proofing specialist.

Heat Mitigation Program

Heat mitigation initiatives were implemented in 2017-18 to improve learning conditions during the summer months. While some spaces required mechanical cooling via the installation of air conditioning systems the initiative predominantly targeted passive cooling via improved ventilation, energy efficient ceiling fans, external shade structures and landscape treatments and heat rejecting glazing treatments. An advanced tree planting program was implemented at five schools to reduce the impact of extreme heat on internal and external environments.

Energy Audits

Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) system audits were conducted across 11 school sites. The audits targeted the identification of lifecycle status and energy conservation measures for implementation in 2017-18. Desk top analysis and site assessments were also conducted by the Infrastructure and Capital Works Branch to identify sites for energy audit in 2018-19.

Audit of hydrotherapy pool plant and equipment at Black Mountain School, Cranleigh School, Malkara School and Turner School were conducted to identify opportunities to enhance the efficiency of their operation. Energy conservation measures are scheduled for implementation at three of the sites in 2018-19.

Water Consumption

Water consumption across all public schools in 2017-18 totalled 335,850 kilolitres (kl) which was an increase of 12.8 percent from 2016-17.

ACT public schools are equipped with data logging technology to monitor water usage. Water usage is reported daily through a third-party monitoring system which alerts the Directorate and schools to potential water leaks and higher than expected water consumption. Infrastructure and Capital Works proactively engage with schools to identify and resolve sources of high-water consumption.

In 2017-18, the system saved approximately 84,389kl of water through early detection and rectification of water leaks and overnight usage, enough water to fill 34 Olympic swimming pools. The estimated cost saving across the reporting period is $226,109. This is the consumption charge that schools would have been required to pay should the leaks have continued.

Transport

The Directorate supports the Ride or Walk to School program through the construction and upgrade of end of trip bicycle parking infrastructure. Secure and weather proof bicycle parking encourages active travel to ACT schools while also reducing transport emissions associated with traveling to and from school. In 2017-18 works included construction of a roof over an existing bicycle enclosure at Amaroo School and installation of covered secure bicycle enclosures at Melrose High School, Wanniassa School Junior Campus and Woden School Campus. New bicycle enclosures included a bicycle pump (primary schools) or combined bicycle repair station/pump (high schools) to assist students and parents to keep bicycles in working order. Construction of these shelters began in 2017‑18 and will be completed in the 2018‑19 reporting year.

The Active Streets for Schools program delivered infrastructure improvements to support schools utilise active for the school commute. Works included improved wayfinding signage, new and upgraded footpaths, safer crossings and traffic calming devices in the school drop off zone. The program also provided educational resources to families to promote active travel options.

A School Crossing Supervisor program commenced in the ACT at 20 school crossings in February 2018 to increase safety for children and improve traffic flow around schools. As part of the program infrastructure improvements were also made to crossings to calm traffic and increase safety for pedestrians.

Collectively these initiatives aim to promote active and safe travel to school while reducing the carbon emissions associated with the school commute.

External Learning Environments

External Learning Environments incorporate environmentally sustainable design principles through a Landscape Masterplan Program (the Program). The Program provides for the development of site specific school landscape masterplans that identify opportunities to enrich the student outdoor experience while incorporating biodiversity, microclimates, stormwater quality, student safety and erosion control and mitigating the impact of the extreme temperatures. In 2017-18 masterplans were developed at four schools including Campbell Primary, Calwell High, Garran Primary and Wanniassa Hills Primary Schools.

A Tree Planting Program was initiated in 2017-18 to shade buildings and provide cool shade to students in the playgrounds. Sites were selected based on the Landscape Masterplans, Energy Audits and the Building Tuning programs within Infrastructure and Capital Works. Ninety trees were planted at Alfred Deakin High, Amaroo, Arawang Primary, Calwell High and Miles Franklin Primary Schools.

Physical works in 2017-18 included the redevelopment of a large embankment at Macgregor Primary School to manage erosion, improve stormwater quality and provide a safe and engaging outdoor area for natural play. Works included the installation of rock walls and stepping stones combined with trees and extensive areas of understory planting.

Sensory gardens were installed at Campbell Primary and Gowrie Primary Schools as part of the Schools for All program. The gardens are inclusive and calm sensory spaces that provide students with flexible learning environments. The gardens also contribute to environmental amenity through the inclusion of sustainable design principles.

ActSmart Schools

The Directorate continues to work in close partnership with ActSmart Schools. ActSmart Schools is a school sustainability program managed by the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate.

The aim of the program is for all schools to reduce their environmental impact and embed sustainable management practices into everyday school operations.

As at 30 June 2018, a total of 63 public schools had been awarded ActSmart Schools accreditation for the sustainable management of energy, 50 for sustainable management of water, 56 for sustainable waste management, 35 for biodiversity and schools grounds management, and 20 for sustainability in curriculum.

Three public schools gained five-star accreditation (accreditation in all areas of ActSmart School’s focus) in the reporting year bringing the total number of five-star accredited public schools to 16.

Professional development and training was provided to over 300 teachers, business managers, or building services officers. Eight workshops were presented, of which six were Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) accredited. Workshop topics included: energy and water, supporting sustainability coordinators, a junior schools eco bus tour, a senior eco bus tour, engaging students through food gardens and a curriculum focused workshop.

The ActSmart Schools Horticulturalist provided consultation services to 28 schools including 14 public schools. The Waste and Energy Education Officer delivered the student energy kit to 23 schools including 15 ACT public schools and provided 41 schools with waste and recycling support, including 23 ACT public schools.

Carbon Budget

In 2017-18 the Directorate set an ambitious carbon emission reduction target of 3 percent across the school portfolio and Education Support Office. The target comprised of the following reductions in energy use:

• 2 percent reduction in gas consumption across the school portfolio and Education Support Office;
• 3 percent reduction in electricity consumption across the school portfolio;
• 5 percent reduction in electricity consumption at Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning; and
• 3 percent fuel emission reduction target across the Education Support Office fleet.

Performance against the carbon budget target is detailed in the Annual Carbon Budget report in September 2018. The Directorate is tracking to achieve the target.

Sustainable Delivery of Public School Facilities

The Sustainable Development of Public School Facility Output Specifications (the Specifications) for preschool to year 6 (P-6) schools were endorsed on 28 June 2017. The Specifications include energy and sustainability standards that target improved thermal comfort, operational and resource use efficiency and sustainability. The Margaret Hendry School in North Gungahlin will be the first primary school to be constructed under the Specification. It is noted that Specification standards were amended for the new school to exclude gas as an energy source.

A Draft Output Specification package for high schools, years 7-10 is currently under review.

As capital upgrades and refurbishments are undertaken at ACT public schools, opportunities to improve the sustainability performance and student comfort are identified and implemented. This includes solar passive design, thermal comfort, lighting upgrades and heating and cooling efficiencies. Details of capital works completed in 2017-18 are found in Section C3.

Education Support Office-Based Sustainability

Information on resource use for the three main Education Support Office Sites at Braddon, Stirling and Callam is provided in Table B9.2. Costs for the school-based Education Support Office staff are met by the schools, therefore these sites are not reported in Table B9.2. These smaller sites are at Gilmore Primary School, Majura Primary School, Melrose High School, Wanniassa School – senior campus and the University of Canberra High School Kaleen.

Table B9.2: Education Support Office-based sustainable development performance 2016-17 and 2017-18

Source: Education Directorate’s Strategic Finance Branch, Enterprise Sustainability Platform (as at 20 August 2018) and SG Fleet Intelligence

Notes: please see at the end of the section: End notes.

Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions

In 2017-18 electricity consumption at the three Education Support Office sites; Callam Offices, Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning and 220 Northbourne Avenue Braddon electricity consumption totalled 729,610 kilowatt hours (kWh). This is a decrease of 8.25 percent from 2016-17. Gas consumption totalled 2,615,008 megajoules (MJ) and is a decrease of 12.6 percent from 2016‑17.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from stationary energy totalled 467 tonnes of CO₂-e. This is a decrease of 33.57 percent from 2016-17.

Water Consumption

Water consumption at Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning and Callam Offices totalled 3,338 kilolitres in 2017-18, which is an increase of 31.94 percent from 2016-17. Water consumption data is not available for 220 Northbourne Avenue Braddon.

Waste Management

The Directorate’s Education Support Office sites at Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning and 220 Northbourne Avenue Braddon are accredited recyclers under the ActSmart Business recycling program. Both sites and the newly occupied office at Callam will be audited in 2018-19 with the assistance of ActSmart Business with staff awareness refreshed to maximise resource recovery.

Printer cartridge and e-waste/battery recycling is undertaken Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning and 220 Northbourne Avenue Braddon with 31kg and 520kg respectively being recycled in the reporting period. Additional recycling initiatives were implemented at 220 Northbourne Avenue including PodCycle coffee pod recycling and battery recycling.

Transport

The Directorate participated in the whole of government electric bike trial with two electric bikes located at 220 Northbourne Avenue for staff use. In the 2017-18 financial year the Directorate’s electric bikes travelled a combined total of 239.43 kilometres. These trips were mainly taken to and from the city or Dickson.

One electric vehicle was returned to the lease agent due to battery failure. The vehicle was not able to be replaced with an electric vehicle due to lack of availability. The vehicle was replaced with a hybrid electric petrol vehicle.

End Notes:

[1] Differences between the Enterprise Sustainability Platform sourced data for the Previous FY (2016-17) and that reported in the original 2016-17 Annual Report are due to updates to agency occupancy and historical consumption data and annual adjustments to ACT specific electricity emissions factors.

[2] Student figures from February census of students. Preschool students taken as 0.5 FTE. Staff in schools figures based on 2017-18 Budget Paper No. 3.

[3] Gross Floor Area (GFA) was the subject of a major review in 2017-18. The review was conducted with the assistance of computer assisted design (CAD) software and site visits. Floor area increases are attributed to the inclusion of facilities and spaces not previously recorded including minor extensions and building conversions of spaces. Floor area increases also resulted from the increased accuracy provided by CAD measurement.

[4] Emission factors used to calculate natural gas and fleet fuel are based on the latest National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Factors.

[5] Water consumption includes accrued data for 75 sites. Accruals are due to the quarterly billing cycle falling outside the reporting timeframe.

[6] Total net fed systems reported in 2016-2017 was 372kw. This included a school funded installation that did not proceed to installation.

[7] Differences between the Enterprise Sustainability Platform sourced data for the Previous FY (2016-17) and that reported in the original 2016-17 Annual Report are due to updates to agency occupancy and historical consumption data and annual adjustments to ACT specific electricity emissions factors.

[8] Staff figures based on 2017-18 Budget Paper No. 3.

[9] Icon Water invoices between November 2015 and February 2017 were based on estimated consumption for the Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning. Water consumption includes accrued data. Accruals are due to the quarterly billing cycle falling outside the reporting timeframe.

[10] The Office of the Board of Senior Secondary Studies relocated from Lyons to Callam in April 2017. Waste to landfill data was available at Lyons. Callam is managed by ACT Property Group and waste to landfill data for individual tenancies is not available.

[11] Greenhouse gas emissions for electricity consumption have been calculated using emissions factors based on the 2018 ACT Electricity Emissions Factor Report.

For further information contact:
Director, Infrastructure and Capital Works
(02) 6205 1289

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