Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Burwood moves to renewable energy

A private girls’ college in Melbourne’s east is aiming to lead Australian schools in fighting climate change. See what they’re doing.

Presbyterian Ladies’ College is making the move to renewable energy.

A private girls’ college in Melbourne’s east is striving to lead Australian schools in the fight against climate change.

Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) is aiming to be one of the first schools in the country to achieve a 100 per cent renewable outcome for its electricity use.

A large solar power system is about to be installed at the Burwood campus, with the college having just signed up to a Corporate Renewable Power Purchase Agreement.

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The large school will move to being powered by its own solar system in collaboration with grid-scale off-site wind and solar farms.

Erin, Phebe, Anna, Hannah, Imashi and Christine celebrate their school’s efforts to go green.

The college plans to share any surplus renewable energy with the grid.

PLC principal Dawn Clements said the college was committed to reducing its carbon footprint.

“We are very excited about the project and we look forward to doing our part in achieving a low emissions future,” Ms Clements said.

“PLC has a long history of leadership and innovation and this project will help inspire and encourage our girls to continue to seek more sustainable solutions for future generations.”

Vice school captain Christine, principal Dawn Clements, Erin, Flow Power director David Evans and school captain Imashi celebrate the school’s move.

Students’ learning is also designed to benefit from the move, with the girls set to have direct access to the live energy readings and data to gain a better understanding of their school’s energy usage.

School captain Imashi Iddawela said students were thrilled their school was turning to renewable energy.

“Climate change is a major issue for our generation so we’re excited that our college is leading the way in making such a change,” Imashi said.

“The real-time data will help us to better understand where our energy is coming from and how much we’re using.”

“It will also help us adopt more energy efficient practises.”

The school is undertaking the project in partnership with electricity retailer Flow Power.

The company’s managing director, Matthew van der Linden, said schools taking advantage of renewable power would benefit them economically and in regard to teaching.

“Our partnership with PLC will showcase all that is possible,” Mr van der Linden said.

PLC expects to have reached its goal of achieving a 100 net renewable outcome by next year.