A Hampton Park primary school is among those set to become greener and more environmentally friendly with help from a State Government solar program.
Narre Warren South MP Gary Maas announced on Tuesday 2 March that River Gum Primary School in Hampton Park is among 171 government schools across Victoria that will receive solar power systems under the Greener Government School Buildings program.
The $8.8 million program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at schools and save them money by installing solar power systems. The program will contribute to the Victorian Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
The program removes the upfront costs of installing a system that may otherwise discourage schools from pursuing solar as an option.
The solar power systems installed as part of the 2020-21 Greener Government School Buildings program are expected to see 6974 kW of solar installed, with an estimated saving of $1.8 million per year and 10,200 tonnes of carbon emissions abated.
The program will assist River Gum Primary School’s installation of a $44,200, 38.5 kW solar system that should see 54.16 tonnes of carbon emissions abated, while helping the school save money in the long term.
By June 2022, in total the program is expected to see 8,200 kW of solar installed, with an estimated saving of $2 million per year and 11,500 tonnes of carbon emissions abated.
“The Greener Government School Buildings program enables schools to actively contribute to the reduction of greenhouse emissions while moving to clean energy and reducing their long term costs,” Mr Maas said.
“River Gum Primary is a fantastic local school and this program will help them to continue to play their part in reducing emissions and educating the next generation on sustainability.”
