Becoming energy ready

The program was implemented in phases. Energy costs reduce through installing on-site solar systems and introducing energy efficiency measures such as LED lighting.

During the Advancing Clean Energy Schools Program, more than 800 state schools across the Department of Education’s seven education regions underwent site assessment to identify energy saving measures. Solutions were defined for each individual school to deliver energy cost reductions.

As a technical advisor, Aurecon assisted the Department of Education during the procurement process to select lead contractors to design, supply, install, operate and maintain the solar and energy efficiency installations under the program.

The program management team:

Evaluated supplier project plans, schedule and budgets
Ensured that suppliers provided local employment opportunities during the contracts while ensuring they had the relevant experience and capability
Reviewed the technical capability of suppliers based on relevant experience and proposed equipment
Provided insights into the validity of ongoing operations and maintenance plans provided by suppliers as part of their tender
Reviewed the proposed measurement and verification plans from suppliers
Coordinated the works with the individual schools and program stakeholders

Suppliers were selected based on their overall capability and reliably to deliver the safe and timely implementation of solar and energy efficiency measures at schools, this included the unique aspects of some sites, for example in cyclone-prone areas.

Delivering this program for the next generation

As one of the Queensland Government’s largest energy consumers, state schools spend more than $71 million each year on electricity.

The Advancing Clean Energy Schools Program is an important part of reducing the State’s energy costs by sourcing renewable energy and helping schools transition towards a more sustainable energy footprint. When the program is fully rolled out, it was expected to deliver a reduction in state school energy costs of up to 20 per cent.

The Program includes up to 35MW of solar photovoltaic systems and the additional funding through the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program will install a further 26MW of solar photovoltaic systems, helping the Queensland Government’s target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

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