Member for Werribee Tim Pallas is encouraging local schools to enter the 2017 ResourceSmart Schools Awards.

“Run by Sustainability Victoria, the ResourceSmart Schools Awards recognise the great sustainability work being done by Victorian schools,” Mr Pallas said.

“Schools are contributing to the long-term fight against climate change by undertaking activities in energy and waste reduction that will make them and local communities better.”

There are 16 award categories. Each is designed to recognise a specific sustainable action.

The categories for 2017 are:

• Biodiversity
• Energy
• Waste
• Water
• Community Leadership
• Teacher of the Year
• Student Action Team of the Year.

Two new categories include Leadership School of the Year and School of the Decade to celebrate the awards’ tenth anniversary.

Last year Werribee Primary School were finalists in the awards for “Energy Primary School of the Year”.

“It’s important to recognise the efforts of innovative school communities that play an active role in environmental improvements and climate change action,” Mr Pallas said.

“Reducing energy consumption and the amount of waste we produce that goes to landfill are essential if we’re to reduce the impact of climate change.”

“We want schools to work with the broader community and encourage everyone to recycle and buy from sustainable sources. Together we can make a difference.”

The ResourceSmart Schools Awards will be announced in October.

The awards are part of ResourceSmart Schools, an award-winning Victorian Government program that assists schools to embed sustainability in everything they do by minimising waste, saving energy and water, promoting biodiversity and taking action on climate change.

Read more about last year’s finalists and winners and find out how to enter at www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/schoolsawards.