The ACT Government today celebrates the achievements of local schools leading the way in climate action at the 2025 Climate Choices Schools Awards.
Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Suzanne Orr said the awards celebrate the creativity, leadership and action of our schools in tackling climate change and caring for our environment.
"These awards highlight that even small actions can make a difference, and that our young people are leading the way in shaping a more sustainable Canberra," Minister Orr said.
"The winners and nominees this year are great examples for their communities, providing leadership and inspiration for meaningful and long-lasting change.
"Merici College has set an outstanding example for our community. The school has reduced energy use by around 100,000 kWh since January 2025 and earned four-star accreditation through the Sustainable Schools Program. Their Sustainability Captain has also taken real leadership by bringing student leaders together each term to coordinate initiatives and strengthen climate action across campuses.
"Mount Stromlo High School has shown what student-driven climate action truly looks like. Their initiatives, from planting more than 50 new trees to hosting a drink sale, clothes swap and expanding recycling through the Container Deposit Scheme, demonstrate how young people can lead meaningful, practical change in their own school communities.
"Congratulations to everyone participating in the awards this year. It's inspiring to see how students, teachers and entire school communities are working together to reduce waste, conserve water and energy, and take practical steps toward sustainability.
"By recognising and supporting schools through initiatives like the Sustainable Schools Program, we're investing in the next generation of climate leaders who are passionate about protecting our planet."
The 2025 Climate Choices Schools Award winners are:
Sustainable Steps Poster Competition Award:
Preschool and kindergarten: Sam G (Gordon Primary School)
Years 1 and 2: Elizabeth C (Namadgi School)
Years 3 and 4: Naomi E (Mount Rogers Primary School)
Years 5 and 5: Lihini J (Canberra Girls Grammar School)
Schools Climate Action Conference Award:
Mount Stromlo High School students: Oscar A, Piper R, Jacob P, Alison M, Scarlett H, Aiden H, Bede A
Sustainability Buddies Award:
Merici College
Aranda Primary School
Mount Rogers Primary School
Namadgi School
Giralang Primary School
Telopea Park School
Leaps and Bounds Award:
Aidan B (Mount Rogers Primary School)
School of the Year Award:
Merici College
The Climate Choices Schools Awards is part of the ACT Government's Sustainable Schools Program, which supports schools to take measurable action to reduce their environmental impact, inspire students, and strengthen community connections.
Since 2018, the awards have showcased how Canberra's young people and educators are building a culture of sustainability in their schools and communities, helping create a more climate-resilient future for the ACT.
The ACT Government supports school sustainability initiatives by providing free programs, tools and resources. Learn more by visiting the ACT Everyday Climate Choices website.
Quotes attributable to Felicity M, Sustainability Officer at Merici College:
"The Sustainable Schools Program has been instrumental in our journey this year to 4 stars. We appreciated their help with activities at school including the litter audit and habitat quality assessment with the horticulturalist. Their support with navigating the portal has been invaluable; while entering our bill data, we noticed extra charges. As a result, a new waste contractor has been arranged, which will save the school an estimated $25,000 over the next three years.
"We have been able to document our work and look back on a year of gains - including an increase in the Habitat Quality Assessment Score, the waste-reducing 'Hard to Recycle Station', and 4900 kilograms of food waste diverted from landfill and processed onsite with our Global Worming farm which reduced emissions by 96%.
"Following the Schools Climate Action Conference, Rebecca initiated the Inter-School Sustainability Council to bring together Sustainability leaders from schools across the ACT to share ideas and support each other in their actions. SSP facilitated the initial connection with the other schools.
"Personally, I have found the networking afternoons useful for new ideas, supporting others and gathering with likeminded souls.
"We look forward to continuing our journey with SSP, increasing our sustainable actions and launching more young sustainability practitioners."
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