School

The Hepburn Energy School Program is an initiative of Hepburn Energy the first community-owned wind farm, located in Victoria. It forms a key part of the local net zero emissions program Hepburn Z-NET.  It features several activity streams working with students, teachers and schools to build awareness on wind energy and renewables more broadly, reduce school emissions and grow climate change literacy.  Hepburn Energy initially developed the curriculum in partnership with environmental organisation CERES and was supported by Hepburn Shire Council.  It consists of an excursion program to the community wind farm and learning materials tailor-made to teach students about renewables, climate science and sustainable practices.  Not only does the program provide immediate benefits to schools and communities, they indirectly build awareness and understanding of jobs in the sector.  To find out more visit: https://www.hepburnenergy.coop/community-schools-curriculum/

Hepburn Energy (formally Hepburn Wind) has supported several Hepburn Shire schools to implement demand management packages.

Some schools installed solar though the Hepburn Solar Bulk-Buy. The Bulk-Buy also had a free ‘Community Bonus’ system which schools were eligible for.

Although primarily for homes – schools may be able to receive an energy assessment or be put in contact with a provider who can. This could help your school to lower its running costs while improving student and staff comfort.