Resource Smart Schools AuSSI Vic at Royal Botanic Gardens

Its program is built around a core module that conducts a baseline data survey and sets up a resource tracking system and 4 other modules - Water, Biodiversity, Energy and Waste. It adopts an integrated, and whole school approach.  For full details go to ResourceSmart Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative Victoria (AuSSI Vic)

"The Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative Victoria (AuSSI Vic) helps schools to become demonstration centres of green technologies and design, linked to sustainable curricula, so that people in all local communities will be motivated to live more sustainably."

The RBG is Victoria’s oldest scientific institution with a very long history of documenting and conserving our states and indeed international biodiversity. Today it is one of the states leading organisations in mitigating and adapting to Climate Change. Some of the states most innovative and dramatic water conservation projects are underway at the Melbourne and Cranbourne sites.

Both gardens showcase outstanding living collections of plants and plant communities. Research and management activities conducted by the gardens are leading examples of biodiversity conservation with an international reputation.

Schools participate in water, waste and biodiversity conservation experiences through programs conducted by Education Services at RBG Melbourne and Cranbourne. These activities are designed to inspire students and provide ideas for application back at schools.  Indeed many schools have successfully modelled school ground improvements on ideas showcased in the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden and Cranbourne’s Australian Garden.

Over 500 schools in Victoria have started or completed the Resource Smart AuSSI Vic process and are celebrating the benefits from contemporary and best practice Education for Sustainability (EfS)
The following principles that define best practice are key to the work of both the Royal Botanic Gardens and RSS AuSSI Vic.

1. Inquiry based learning for the whole school community
2. Indigenous Learning
3. Social justice
4. Student democracy and leadership
5. Values, civics and faith development
6. Cultural perspectives
7. Re-engagement with self, others and nature
8. Transformative education and learning

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