At The Knox School, we are committed to cultivating global citizens who care deeply about their world. As part of this commitment, we are proud to be participating in the ResourceSmart Schools (RSS) program – an initiative delivered by Sustainability Victoria that supports schools across the state to integrate sustainability into their operations, teaching and community culture.
Through this program, The Knox School aims to enhance environmental stewardship on campus, reduce our ecological footprint and empower students with the knowledge and skills to lead sustainability efforts both now and into the future.
The RSS framework is built around five key modules: Core, Waste, Water, Energy and Biodiversity. In 2025, TKS is committed to the Core Module, which lays the foundation for our sustainability journey, includes establishing a baseline of utility usage measurement, policy development, action planning and community engagement.
And we’re already starting to see the positive effects! At a recent Junior School Student Representative Council (SRC) Meeting, our sustainability ambassadors have been brainstorming ideas for how to improve environmental sustainability across our campus. This discussion led to the student-generated idea to host a ‘Nude Food Day’ on Tuesday 20 May 2025, a fun initiative to cut down on lunchbox waste. They extend an invitation to our entire community to consider bringing a packaging-free lunch to school or work that day. Think reusable containers, fresh fruit and no wrappers!
Our Deputy Head of Junior School, Sarah McKenzie, commented after this meeting:
It’s inspiring to see our students lead with such passion and purpose. Their ideas, like Nude Food Day, show how powerful student voice can be when paired with action. They’re not just talking about change — they’re creating it.
Since its inception in 2008, the RSS program has engaged over 1,400 schools across Victoria, achieving remarkable outcomes:
- $41 million saved in utility costs
- Over 5 million trees planted
- 118,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions avoided
- 194,000 cubic metres of waste diverted from landfill
- 1.88 million kilolitres of water saved
By being part of this well-established network of like-minded schools, The Knox School not only contributes to a more sustainable future but also provides our students with the chance to lead real change – within our school and beyond.
Learn More: To explore how Sustainability Victoria is making a difference through education and action, visit their official site by clicking here.
