Does your school want to apply for a grant under the National Solar Schools Program?

Already applied but need help?

Important update July 2010: The National Solar Schools Program has re-opened and applications must be submitted by August 20! From the 2010-11 funding round, applications for funding will be assessed competitively in annual funding rounds. Applications will be assessed against a range of criteria focused on value for money, environmental benefit, and educational benefit.
 

In the next few weeks in the lead up to applications being submitted, the Tasmanian Centre for Global Learning Sustainable Schools Support Service project officer can provide free assistance with:

• Contacts with suppliers
• Liaison with the DoE and Australian Government
• Applications and paperwork
• Incorporating the project in your curriculum
• Phone and email assistance provided state-wide

Contact the SSSS project officer now to get help completing your application. If you have not already begun the process then there is another funding round flagged for 2011-12

Contact Us   |   NSSP Application Steps   |   What some Tassie schools are doing



The Sustainable Schools Support Service (SSSS) is funded by the Tasmanian Climate Change Office and involves Project Officer, Margaret Steadman, providing assistance to schools in researching and planning the best way to spend - in your specific context - the $50,000 available to every school in Australia for sustainability improvements.

It is our goal to ensure that every Tasmanian school accesses the Commonwealth Government NSSP funds for sustainability improvements that will make all of our schools winners.

There are a wide range of projects that can be paid for from YOUR SCHOOL’S $50,000 NSSP FUNDING, including the installation of a range of renewable energy generation, water and energy efficiency measures:

• solar power systems
• rainwater tanks
• small wind turbines
• small hydro power generators
• solar hot water systems
• energy efficiency lighting
• ceiling fans door and window draught seals
• ceiling, wall and floor insulation
• sensors, timers and thermostats
• automatic door closers and automatic sliding doors
• external window fittings
• skylights
• shade awnings
• smart meters and displays.

Margaret is available to meet with schools in the Greater Hobart area and is available to give a presentation on the NSSP - the sorts of sustainability efforts that can be funded and the steps required. Margaret is also available via email (margaret@afairerworld.org) and telephone (03-6223-1025) to schools throughout the state.

To further make this as easy as possible for schools, the Tasmanian Sustainable Schools Cooperative was created. The TSSC is a group of Tasmanian companies vetted by the Department of Education (in their 2008 tender process and meeting all current NSSP requirements for monitoring and product efficiencies at 01 July 2009), as well as offering good deals for schools undertaking the NSSP. For Department of Education schools, only one quote is needed if TSSC companies are selected as per tender specifications.

The companies include:

• Powercom and Datacall for photovoltaic and wind energy systems and required smart metering systems locally designed to NSSP requirements and with local school involvement in the design and information included in the online web interface (see photo above);
• EcoTasmania for evacuated-tube solar hot water systems designed for the colder Tasmanian environment; e-LP energy efficient lighting specialists; and local water tank companies.

These suppliers have been cooperative in offering group purchasing discounts, extended warranties and monitoring, as well as localised service (keeping jobs and skills in Tasmania).

For these reasons, the Sustainable Schools Support Service project officer recommends that all schools get quotes from the TSSC to compare to any other quotes received.
 

To find out more contact:
Margaret Steadman
Tasmanian Centre for Global Learning
4 Battery Square, Battery Point, 7004
Ph 03 6223 1025 or 0418 294 496
Email: margaret@afairerworld.org
 

The world's future is in our hands!

                        

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NSSP application steps:

from National Solar Schools Program

KEY DATES:

15 July 2010 - Open for new Registrations

15 July - 20 August 2010 - Application round for 2010-11 period for schools to apply for NSSP funding for 2010-11

23 August - 8 October 2010 - Applications assessed: rated against merit based criteria

Late October 2010 - Grants Announced: Minister announces schools that have been successful in obtaining NSSP funding for 2010-11

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What some Tassie schools are doing:

MacKillop Catholic College is doubling the size of their existing photovoltaic system and adding the new smart metering system from Powercom/Datacall as well as installing four 300 litre solar hot water systems.

Ogilvie High School is working with their architects to incorporate a substantial photovoltaic system into their new federally-funded building additions.

Fahan School plans to install photovoltaics and an extensive storm water collection system.

Snug and Albuera Street Primaries are focussing on photovoltaics and energy efficient lighting.

Catholic Education Office systemic schools are being managed centrally to further leverage group buy discounts. They are undertaking an energy audit at all schools to get the best mix of options for each school. Many of the systems are being designed into the Building Education Revolution, National School Pride, and Trade Centre building works. All schools will have at minimum a 2kW photovoltaic system, plus anything from solar hot water, heater timers, energy efficient lighting and shade awnings to water tanks and skylights.


Details from other will be added as applications are submitted and approved.