The ACT Government has recognised the achievements of local students and teachers leading the Territory’s climate action efforts at the 2025 Climate Choices Schools Awards.
Climate Change and Environment Minister Suzanne Orr MLA said this year’s winners demonstrated creativity, leadership and practical commitment to sustainability.
“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,” she said.
Merici College was named School of the Year, having reduced its energy use by 100,000 kWh since January and achieving four-star accreditation through the Sustainable Schools Program. The school has also established an Inter-School Sustainability Council to coordinate student-led initiatives across the ACT.
Mount Stromlo High School received the Schools Climate Action Conference Award, recognised for a suite of student-driven projects, including planting more than 50 trees, hosting a clothes swap, and expanding recycling through the Container Deposit Scheme.
Awards were also presented across categories such as the Sustainable Steps Poster Competition, Sustainability Buddies program and the Leaps and Bounds Award recognising individual leadership.
Since 2018, the Sustainable Schools Program has provided tools, resources and support to help schools reduce waste, conserve water and energy, and strengthen community connections.
Merici College sustainability officer Felicity M said the program had been “instrumental” in the school’s progress this year.
“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 per cent.”
Details of all award winners are available on the ACT Government’s Everyday Climate Choices website.
