The Greener Government School Buildings (GGSB) program aims to contribute to the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) and Climate Change Act (2017) greenhouse gas reduction target of net zero emissions by 2050.

Our program funds the installation of solar power systems. Schools pay the cost of the system back over 5 years. Once paid back, schools retain 50% of the savings.

Schools gain the benefits of the solar power system over time. These include lower electricity bills and helping the environment by reducing the school's carbon footprint.

In total, 404 schools are currently taking part in the Greener Government School Buildings program. Once fully implemented, the program is expected to annually:

• achieve a total installed capacity of 16,200 kilowatts across the school portfolio – enough to generate renewable electricity to power approximately 2,000 houses
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 21,900 tonnes – the same as removing over 3,600 cars off the road
• save schools more than $4.5 million on their power bills.

Applications will be prioritised based on the following considerations:

• a commitment to sustainability – schools that can demonstrate prior or planned commitments to environmental sustainability practices and initiatives; for example, demonstrating participation in the ResourceSmart Schools (RSS) program and School Water Efficiency Program (SWEP) Victorian government programs; and
• a commitment to maintaining the school – as evidenced by an endorsed School Maintenance Plan (SMP) for schools that should have one, or a written statement for those who don’t, and that are completing condition and routine maintenance works.

Eligibility

The GGSB program is open to all Victorian government schools.

The application must demonstrate that:

• the applicant organisation is a government school registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA); and
• the application was received during the application period (22 February 2023 to 7 April 2023);
• provide relevant contact details for the application, including the principal’s contact details and key contact details for the project (if different from the principal);
• agree to provide access to VSBA representatives for non-operating or reduced school times (such as school holidays, weekends, curriculum days);
• the school commits to repaying the cost of installation over five years by signing the Commitment Deed Poll Agreement;
• once payback has been achieved, contribute 50% of the ongoing electricity cost savings to Consolidated Revenue (DTP), in adherence to the Program Conditions.

If your application is unable to demonstrate compliance with ALL eligibility criteria, the application may be ruled ineligible.

Submission of an application does not guarantee that your school will proceed under GGSB. 

Key considerations

• The GGSB program is NOT a grant – the solar power system will be paid upfront by the GGSB program and is required to be paid back over five years’ time from the electricity savings generated and then 50% of ongoing savings is contributed to Consolidated Revenue (DTP);
• following the payback, schools retain the 50% of savings;
• schools participating must adhere to the GGSB program conditions;
• completing the application is an agreement to commit to the GGSB program;
• the maximum size of a solar power system to be installed under GGSB is 99.9kW.

Program conditions

• the cost of the solar power system installed through the GGSB program must be paid back in no more than five years’ time; and
• once payback has been achieved, schools will forego 50% of the ongoing electricity cost savings to Consolidated Revenue (DTP) through an SRP funding reduction.

What will not be funded

Solar power systems will not be installed under the following conditions:

• building/s with suitably sized roof/s that are identified as over-entitled;
• building/s with suitably sized roof/s that are in an inadequate condition or are known to have latent conditions present (such as asbestos) therefore requiring further works beyond GGSB capacities;
• building/s with suitably sized roof/s that have a compromised structure or roof leaks that would affect the installation of solar;
• building/s with suitably sized roof/s that are unable to receive sufficient sunlight due to the angle of the roof tilt and/or building orientation (e.g. predominantly facing south), or shade from other elements (e.g. buildings, trees, air conditioning units);
• building/s that are expected to be deconstructed or replaced in the foreseeable future whether confirmed or planned;
• building/s that are expected to undergo significant works that would affect the installation of solar (e.g. roof replacement, Main Switch Board (MSB) replacement);
• building/s that are not permanent structures; and
• building/s built in the last 12 months will not be considered until the Defect Liability Period expires.

The following will also not be funded under the GGSB program:

• systems over 99.9kW that would be deemed a power station;
• battery storage for renewable energy;
• previously installed or procured solar power systems or related modules;
• roof or structural works;
• updating, moving, or changing switchboards; and
• works conducted for other renewable energy sources, such as wind, hydro, geothermal, etc.

• Email: greener.schools@education.vic.gov.au