A Business Manager’s Perspective: The Climate Action Schools Advantage

As the Business Manager at Woodridge State High School, I am always on the lookout to save operational cost for the school and to help facilitate student learning in a practical, real world experience. I want to share our positive experience with a program called Climate Action Schools.

Like many schools, managing waste effectively and controlling associated costs has always been a challenge. We recently implemented the Climate Action Schools program, which provides a practical, system-based approach to resource recovery right here at school.

From a Business Manager's perspective, the results have been significant and measurable:

Major Cost Savings: We've achieved a 65% reduction in our student waste removal costs, translating to approximately $27,000 in annual savings for our school budget.

Revenue Generation: By diverting recyclables like cans and bottles, we've joined the circular economy and are now generating a regular income stream (our P&C and Scouts partner are sharing the funds from Containers for Change). $400/month

Operational Efficiency: The program helps us implement more organized and efficient waste management processes, based on industry-proven methodologies (functional sustainability/LEAN).

Staff Empowerment: It provides a framework for our cleaning and operational staff to work with clear procedures, enhancing teamwork and recognizing their vital role in sustainability.

Grant Opportunities: The data we collect through the program has helped us successfully apply for grants to support our sustainability infrastructure.

Compliance & Safety: The program embeds essential safety practices (like Take 5) and helps ensure environmental compliance in waste handling.

Beyond these direct operational and financial benefits, the program also offers a unique opportunity to connect your school with industry partners and provide students with valuable pathways to future careers. Industry is increasingly seeking young people with practical sustainability skills and an understanding of operational excellence (LEAN), and this program helps bridge that gap.

Climate Action Schools provides the framework and support, whether you prefer a guided implementation or a DIY approach with their resources. It's a practical system that delivers tangible financial and operational benefits while also aligning with the school's broader environmental goals and providing unique learning opportunities for students, including direct links to industry.

If you're looking for a proven way to significantly reduce waste costs, improve operational efficiency, gain access to grant funding, and create valuable industry connections for your students, I highly recommend exploring the Climate Action Schools program.  Also, now, thanks to industry support, it’s free to start the journey.  For more information, see the attached.

Feel free to contact Jules McMurtrie at Climate Action Schools jules@climateactionschools.com or 0419709160 to learn more about how it could benefit your school.

Best regards,

Andrew Byrne
Business Manager                          

Empowered, Resilient… World Changing!

Woodridge State High School | Department of Education