TREES - a way for all schools to become energy-efficient

You can save at least $2,000 every year by reducing your school's energy consumption. Use the spreadsheet tool 'TREES' to import your own school's energy use data and identify target areas for improvements.

TREES - Tool for Replication of Energy Efficiency at Schools - offers 18 energy saving actions for schools. The tool then calculates the:

• resulting savings for energy, greenhouse gases and money
• number of trees that would need to be planted to abate these greenhouse gases.

It can also be incorporated within the school's curriculum in subjects like science and mathematics.

TREES was sent to all Victorian Government schools in CD format during October 2007. It can also be downloaded at the link below.

All schools have been sent other tools to help identify where energy can be saved, including a:

• lux meter (to show areas that are over-lit) 
• thermometer (to identify if appliances are running too hot or cold).

TREES is also available for independent and catholic schools and other organisations. Email environment@edumail.vic.gov.au or visit the Department of Early Education & Childhood Development website (see link below).