The SJB Environmental Management Crew
Sir Joseph Banks High has had a very successful environmental program in operation at the school since 2000. Dedicated teachers have led groups of students from that time through the Bankstown City Council Tree Troupers tree planting and management training programs, planted in excess of 250 native bushes, trees and shrubs as well as native grasses, installed possum houses, monitored rainfall, set up worm farms, recycled paper, evaluated the effectiveness of alternative efficient school lighting systems, changed the work practices of all staff and students at the school to improve energy efficiency in a school initiative called Energy Busters and monitored the energy use of staff and students at the school.
From 2006 to 2008, the school was involved in successful Community Water Grants Funding proposals which have brought more than $77,000 to the school for the installation of water efficiency technologies throughout the school and the establishment of a 24.5 kL rainwater tank to reduce the use of potable water for flushing toilets.
The school has a great record of involvement in environmental education and sustainable development technologies. We are encouraging more students to become actively involved in our projects and technologies in order to raise their awareness and interest for the sake of the school and the world environment. For example, steps have been taken to introduce recycling systems for the aluminium cans and PET drink bottles sold in our school canteen and a worm farm was installed in 2008 to allow the food labs and canteen to recycle food scraps, diverting them from landfill waste and reducing the associated greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere.