Power to the kids

CASEY schools are doing their bit for the planet and reducing greenhouse gases.
Students from Tooradin, Hampton Park and Hillsmeade Primary schools along with Hallam’s Eumemmerring College are all working closely to fight global warming as part of the Planet Savers program.
The Westernport Greenhouse Alliance Group, City of Casey and Sunrise Energy Management are also joining forces to help cut emissions.
Casey engineering and environmental service manager David Richardson said involvement in the Planet Savers program enabled the council to engage its community in reducing green house emissions.
“The four Casey schools already involved in the program are to be congratulated for taking local action and initiative,” Mr Richardson said.
The program involves schools undertaking energy audits to identify where they can reduce greenhouse emissions within the school and they are currently in the process of implementing these actions.
Switching off unused lights and computers, replacing traditional lights with fluorescent globes and using more efficient heaters and fans are just three of the many simple energy saving initiatives schools have come up with.
Tooradin Primary School principal Marjorie Scarce said it was exciting to be involved in the program as it takes the campus one step closer to becoming a fully energy efficient school.
“Our school is aiming to educate our students and local community towards a sustainable future,” Ms Scarce said.
“The application of auditing our electricity, gas and water usage will monitor and guide more efficient use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and teach children to be aware and conscious of our impact upon the environment,” she said.