Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith is encouraging Victorian primary and secondary schools to have their sustainability achievements recognised by entering the ResourceSmart Schools Awards 2012.

“The Victorian Government has committed $8.3 million to build on the existing ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic framework, with the aim of embedding sustainability in Victorian schools over the next four years,” Mr. Smith said.

“The Awards are an outstanding opportunity to celebrate and reward the achievements of Victorian schools across various areas of sustainability including water, waste, energy, biodiversity and community leadership.”.

Three new categories have been added to the Awards program this year to specifically recognise the outstanding achievements of individual teachers, students and student action teams.

“Education networks and school communities are encouraged to nominate individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in their schools and local communities,” Mr Smith said.

Entries opened today and the eight categories available this year include: Biodiversity School of the Year, Energy School of the Year, Waste School of the Year, Water School of the Year, Community Leadership School of the Year, Student of the Year, Student Action Team of the Year and Teacher of the Year.

“I would encourage schools who are leading the way in sustainability to enter three or more major categories this year so they can be considered for the top accolade, ResourceSmart School of the Year,” Mr Smith said.

Last year’s winner was Aitken College from Greenvale where students and teachers demonstrated outstanding achievements across all areas of sustainability.

Winning schools and finalists will share in more than $40,000 prize money which will assist schools as they grow their sustainability activities.

Entries close on Thursday 9 August with the Awards presentation being held in Term 4.

For further information visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au