Flicking the switch By Mr Matt Hustwaite
The largest private solar installation in Regional Victoria will also provide educational outcomes Loreto College has always had a flair for innovation and enlightenment but the College has recently taken a shine to alternative energy. During the summer holidays, Loreto College ‘flicked the switch’ on a new green power source for the campus. Currently the largest private system in Regional Victoria, 108 solar panels have been installed on the roof of the northern Science wing, with these panels generating 27kw of power. This installation sees the College taking practical action to reduce emissions through installing solar power systems, while also providing educational
benefits for students in learning about renewable energy and environmental stewardship. Loreto College Ballarat students will be able to view and analyse data to track the effectiveness of the system and apply this knowledge into their classroom studies. “The students are excited, and in fact have been waiting, to see renewable energy projects like this on campus,” says Deputy Principal Mr Pat O’Shea. “It will become a resource for our students in various Science classes, and it will also be made available for student projects in the future.”
Members of the Environmental Action Committee are also pleased with the College’s commitment to renewable energy. “When we formed last year we were inspired by the Boulder Valley School District in Colorado, United States of America who turned on the power to 5000 solar panels” says EAC member Sarah Griffin. “Of course we are just one school, not a whole district but we are thrilled to see our school move forward with this fantastic initiative.”
15