Frequently Asked Questions - Solar and Energy Efficiency Program in Queensland State Schools
Q1. What is the scope of the project?
The initiative focuses on providing solar and other energy efficient technologies in Queensland State schools to fulfil the Queensland and Australian Governments' requirements for meeting the challenges of climate change. It aims to promote a sustainable future for both State schools and the communities which they serve.
The initiative primarily aims to reduce energy consumption in Queensland state schools by up to 30 per cent.
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Q2. What are the benefits of this initiative?
Within three years, all Queensland State schools will be using solar power to help meet their energy needs. There will be a strong incentive for schools to participate in the initiative as school communities could benefit from savings made. This initiative will also be coordinated with any current programs the state schools already have underway to reduce energy consumption.
There will be a range of options for schools to select from to achieve their savings targets.
There will be educational benefits and learning for state schools students. The program will be incorporated into state school curriculum to cover teaching and learning outcomes on energy efficiency and administration.
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Q3. Why has this initiative been developed?
This initiative aligns with the Queensland Government's ClimateSmart 2050, Solar Panels for Schools Program, the Government Energy Management Strategy and the Strategic Energy Efficiency Policy for Government Buildings. The Strategic Energy Efficiency Policy for Government Buildings established mandatory energy reduction targets of five per cent savings by 2010 and 20 per cent savings by 2015.
Schools contain several high-energy usage items, especially computers and lighting equipment.
This initiative will deliver reductions in green house gas emissions and energy usage of at least 30%.
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Q4. When will the solar and energy efficiency initative start?
The initiative is scheduled to begin in July 2008.
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Q5. Which State schools will be involved?
A trial will initially be conducted in 10 State schools of varying sizes and in different regions of Queensland. It will be implemented in 1251 State schools in Queensland. This involves more than 20,000 school buildings.
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Q6. How will this initiative be implemented?
The Department will use its existing regional facilities network to put in place standing offer arrangements for contractors to install solar and other energy saving technologies in geographical clusters of schools across Queensland.
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Q7. What does the solar initiative mean for schools?
A minimum 2 kilowatt (KW) solar panels will be installed to generate electricity at every Queensland state school.
Other energy efficient measures will further improve the viability and effectiveness of this initiative. For example, significant savings will be achieved by replacing inefficient lighting with improved lighting technology.
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Q8. How will this initiative benefit our children's education?
An understanding of the energy efficiency measures will be incorporated into the school's curriculum. Students will be able to analyse the energy output from the solar panels and monitor any reduction in energy usage from their computers.
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Q9. Are schools, Environmental Education Centres (EECs) and Outdoor Education Centres (OECs) required to register to participate in the Program?
No - All schools, EECs and OECs are eligible and do not have to register.
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Q10. Is funding approval required to participate in the Program?
No - The Solar and Energy Efficiency Program team will be managing the projects on behalf of the schools.
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Q11. Will an energy audit be required?
No - However, schools will be asked to undertake a small scale review of the options for the installation of photo voltaic (solar) systems.
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Q12. What solar initiatives will a school, EEC or OEC receive?
A minimum 2kW solar system will be installed in every school, EEC or OEC without an existing solar system in place.
Note: An EEC or OEC operating on an existing school site will be able to take advantage of the 2kW solar system delivered to that school.
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Q13. Are there any other peripherals required for the solar system?
Yes - Schools, EECs and OECs will receive an Invertor, Smart Meter, and other peripherals required to support the solar system.
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Q14. Is any additional IT software required for the solar system?
A software package to support the solar system peripherals will be provided. The package will allow students to be able to monitor and analyse the energy generated from the solar system at their school.
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Q15. What other energy efficiency measures will be delivered through the Program?
All schools, EECs and OECs will receive energy efficient lighting in General Learning Area Classrooms to further reduce energy consumption and therefore greenhouse gas emissions.
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Q16. Are any other sustainable measures included in this initiative?
The Solar and Energy Efficiency Program is focusing on improving energy efficiency in Queensland state schools and centres. Schools can apply for items such as rainwater tanks and associated items, insulation, sun shades, sensor timers and skylights through the National Solar Schools program (NSSP) in accordance with the NSSP guidelines.
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Q17. What is being done to support schools, EECs and OECs in the classroom?
A program to support energy efficiency measures is being developed and will be incorporated into the Curriculum.
The program will encourage behaviour change to reduce energy consumption and improve the ecological footprint of the school, EEC or OEC to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Q18. Is a financial acquittal required for the Program?
No - Schools will be asked to complete and return an Installation Completion Certificate in conjunction with the Contractor when work is completed at the school site.
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Q19. Is any other reporting required?
Yes - Schools, EECs and OECs will be required to report on energy savings.
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Q20. Will schools be able to contribute further toward sustainable outcomes?
Yes. The installation of solar and energy efficiencies is to be funded via a loan over 15 years of $60M and repaid from savings made from these installations. However, 20% of savings made by each school will be redirected to that school to progress their sustainable outcomes.
There are a number of issues here which are being pursued as a partnership between the National Solar Schools Program and the Queensland Solar Schools Program to ensure value for money, minimise school disruption and maximise the benefits to Queensland State Schools
Updates on the partnership between the National Solar Schools Program and the Queensland Solar and Energy Efficiency Program will be advised via the Regional Facilities Manager and through this website.
For further information on the National Solar Schools Program please refer to the NSSP Frequently Asked Questions.
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