Trailblazing Toward Net Zero By 2030: Loreto College Students Shed Light on Energy Consumption by Braving the Cold for World Environment Day (5th June)
Leading the way when it comes to sustainability, leading SA Girl’s College has also been recognised by the City of Burnside Council for its leadership, innovation, and dedication to sustainable environmental practices.
Loreto College Marryatville is set to make a bold — and cold — statement this World Environment Day (5th June) with their second annual Beanies and Blankets Day. The event coincides with the announcement the College has been nominated by the City of Burnside Council for their upcoming Major Environment Award to be announced on June 15th.
This Wednesday, Loreto College's Junior and Senior Schools will unite and brace the winter weather by relinquishing the comforts of heat and lights for an entire school day, with the event encouraging students to actively engage in environmental issues and reflect on the College’s energy consumption and ecological footprint across the electricity-free school day.
Hosted by Loreto College's Environment Committee, the initiative will highlight the importance of conscious energy consumption through an examination of the College’s energy usage. By only using the necessary power required for teaching, the school will explore the difference in energy consumption on Beanies and Blankets Day to a regular school day.
Measured via Loreto College’s energy consumption smart meters, this comparison will underscore the power habits and impact of energy consumption, fostering awareness and education for students on how their personal choices can make a difference. Loreto College students will also be encouraged to leave behind their beanies and blankets on the day, with all collected goods to be donated to the St Vincent de Paul Society (SA).
"This marks the second year we are shedding light on the effects of our school's energy consumption. Ongoing transparency and engagement with our girls allows for meaningful reflection on our collective impact and inspires ownership toward environmental responsibility. Equipped with this knowledge, we can ignite a powerful wave of sustainable practices in our school and beyond," said Principal of Loreto College Marryatville, Ms Kylie McCullah.
Beanies and Blankets Day complements the College’s holistic approach to environmental education and strategic ecological initiatives that has seen the College nominated for the prestigious local council award. The City of Burnside 2024 Environment Awards will be announced later this month at a special ceremony attended by The Deputy Premier or South Australia, the Hon Susan Close and City of Burnside Mayor, Anne Monceaux.
The nomination is a testament to Loreto College’s commitment as a future-looking school and ambitious goals towards becoming a pioneering innovator of environmental sustainability in schools over a broad-ranging 10-year environmental plan. The College is on track to meet a goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2030, with several strategies across energy generation and consumption, waste management, and the local environment in place.
Key sustainability initiatives currently underway at Loreto College include:
- A transition to solar power across the College with this project is expected to see 60% of all energy generated on-site by 2025. The first phase of this project achieved 40% solar generation, exceeding the 30% target set.
- Achieving a 100% plastic-free campus through the College’s four-stream waste segregation system and supported by a #cuttherubbish school-wide campaign. In 2023, 48% of waste was diverted from landfill. The school's administrative process is also 100% paperless.
- Student-led initiatives including a recent school pond clean-up championed by the Environmental Science Club at Loreto College Junior School showcasing the collaboration and environmental stewardship crucial to responsible environmental conservation and restoration.
Each year, World Environment Day serves as a global platform to address environmental issues. This year’s international theme centres on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience under the slogan, “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration”.
Speaking to the importance of a holistic approach to environmental education across all levels of the school community and for future generations, Ms Kylie McCullough said:
"From our high-level strategic vision to the day-to-day learning within our classrooms we understand that education is the foundation for shaping a sustainable future. Loreto College is proud to be at the forefront as one of the innovative schools exemplifying action and education on sustainability. We strive to instil in our students a deep sense of resilience and responsibility towards the environment. By prioritising environmental education and integrating it into our curriculum, we are empowering future generations of positive impact leaders.”
About Loreto College Marryatville
Loreto College Marryatville is South Australia’s leading all-girls day and boarding school, catering for students from Early Learning to Year 12.
Established in 1905, a Loreto education is built on a 400-year-old tradition first inspired by the founder of Loreto schools worldwide, Mary Ward, and encapsulates her beliefs in delivering an education which inspires strong, passionate, and confident girls and young women.
In delivering this view, Loreto College Marryatville provides girls with a well-rounded education where students are presented with a broad range of opportunities and given the support and encouragement to become confident and engaged learners with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in their world.
