Charting a sustainable future

MIKE HOWELL, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Sustainability isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about leading by example. Our students are at the heart of these efforts, rolling up their sleeves to tackle realworld challenges and make meaningful changes. In this update, we’ll share the exciting ways our community is working together to create a lasting impact on our environment.

We want to share the latest updates on environmental initiatives and the inspiring ways our students, staff, and community are working together to promote sustainability. As outlined in our 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, one of our key imperatives is to be an exemplar in environmental education and ethical practices. This includes improving our waste, energy and water management practices. Here’s how we are starting to make a tangible difference.

Building a pathway to net zero: Energy-efficient upgrades

Earlier this year, we conducted a detailed energy audit across all campuses to better understand our carbon footprint and identify areas for improvement. The results: Excluding Scope 3 emissions (such as suppliers and travel which are yet to be assessed), our annual baseline emissions amount to 2,326 tonnes of CO2 annually. This translates to approximately 1.41 tonnes per student per annum, compared to the national average of 15.4 tonnes per person annually.

Building on this audit, we plan to progressively invest in energy-efficient technologies, including LED lighting, solar panels and energy management systems. These insights will guide our decisions over the next five years as we work towards reducing our emissions.

Leading by example: Student-led sustainability

Our students aren’t just participating— they’re leading. The waste audit project wasn’t just about sorting rubbish; it was a hands-on lesson in environmental responsibility and innovation. From analysing data to proposing solutions, the experience left a lasting impression.

Beyond waste management, Senior School students have launched a community-focused recycling initiative to support a school in Tanna, while Middle School students are actively exploring practical ways to integrate sustainability into their daily routines.

Championing Plastic Recycling and Composting Initiatives

In the Middle School, the Sustainability team is tackling the plastic waste crisis head-on! Using a cutting-edge recycling machine we have become micro-recyclers, determined to create a circular economy.

The team started by collecting plastic bottle caps and the little soy sauce fish containers and is now transforming them into pens, combs, carabiners and Jenga blocks. The process involves sorting the caps into colours, crushing them into small pieces, and then melting them through our extruder machine into custom moulds. Unscrewing the moulds to see how the colour combinations have turned out for each product is definitely a highlight!

Alongside this project, the Sustainability team has also started a composting system to reduce food waste sent to landfill! The smallest of changes can make a big difference!

Nude Food Movement: Leading the way in sustainability

At the Junior School, the Nude Food initiative is in full swing, inspiring students and families to embrace eco-friendly lunchbox habits by cutting down on plastic wrapping and disposable packaging. Guided by the enthusiastic Early Learning Nature Rangers, students are taking impressive steps to keep playgrounds spotless and rubbish-free.

A special shoutout goes to our Year 3 leaders, who are championing this initiative. Their efforts not only keep our environment cleaner but also set a wonderful example for everyone to follow.

By choosing ‘nude’ food options, we are collectively reducing landfill waste and taking meaningful action.

Together, for a greener tomorrow

These efforts mark just the beginning of our sustainability journey. By reducing waste, cutting emissions, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, Geelong College is laying the groundwork for a future that’s not only sustainable but inspiring.

Alumni inspiration: The Plasticians Old Collegians are also contributing to positive environmental change. The Plasticians, founded by two alumni, are working to repurpose plastic waste into practical materials, encouraging communities to reconsider their approach to waste management. (Story: pages 86-88).

Waste reduction programs

Did you know that Geelong College sends nearly 58 tonnes of waste to landfill annually? After a recent waste audit, 12 Senior School students rolled up their sleeves and sorted through 182 kilograms of rubbish—one week’s worth of waste. Their findings were both eyeopening and inspiring.

• 62% of waste was food scraps: A major source of methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than CO2.

• 10% was paper and cardboard: Easily recyclable but currently adding to landfill emissions.

The students identified several opportunities to enhance our waste management practices. Currently, our existing bin infrastructure only accommodates landfill and two recycling bins, with no options for organic waste. The students proposed introducing a new threebin system (landfill, organic waste and recycling) strategically placed in several locations across the Senior School campus.

Recognising that 10% of waste consists of recyclable paper and cardboard, they suggested placing dedicated paper recycling bins in every House room to make recycling easier and more accessible.

The students also explored implementing the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) for plastic, glass and aluminium containers, which could provide a source of revenue to reinvest into school projects.

The overall audit revealed that 91% of the waste sorted could have been diverted through better practices, highlighting the need for change. Work has started with tutor groups to collect and manage waste and recycling, providing support to our cleaning, grounds and maintenance teams. These new initiatives will be introduced at the start of next year alongside an education and awareness campaign aimed at improving waste segregation and recycling. While just small steps, we hope these initiatives will create lasting behavioural change in sustainable practices.

For more insights, please click here to hear from the students involved in the waste audit.