Net Zero Carbon Emissions

Achieving Net Zero by 2030 means balancing carbon emissions produced with those removed from the atmosphere. This journey will reduce resource consumption and costs, improve operational efficiency, and promote sustainable use of goods and services. It also aims to educate and empower students and staff to become responsible global citizens, ensuring a more sustainable future.

• Waste - While this sector is a challenge, progress to reduce landfill waste from 2022 (Baseline year) was achieved and recycling rates are increasing each year.
• Electricity – Grid and Solar - CGS uses 100% renewable energy from its 888-kWh solar system and Engie Green Power. Solar generation is traded as LGCs and reported. Electricity usage remains high, with ongoing efforts to reduce consumption.
• Gas - Gas remains on track to perform to its annual target. The school continues to investigate electrification options to transition away from gas.
• Water - Consumption is rising due to a warming climate. The school is addressing this by upgrading infrastructure and integrating water education into the curriculum.
• Transport - Road transport has increased but remains within the annual target. Air transport emissions are offset through Greenfleet. Facilities for electric vehicles and active transport have been enhanced, with further improvements under review.
• Purchasing & Procurement - Single-use packaging in the cafeteria has been successfully reduced. Paper purchasing is improving but remains a challenge in meeting annual targets.
• Biodiversity - The school is enhancing biodiversity by expanding native habitats and plantings to meet annual targets. Community engagement is increasing through various student-led projects.

• Towards 2050 Student Group (Year 6-12) – projects, events and activities

• Kingussie Garden Group (Year 6-12) – gardening, propagation and maintenance

• Beekeeping Group (Year 6-12) – assist beekeeper in inspection and harvesting

• Fix the News Podcasting (Years 10 & 11) – positive news to unpack and share

• Junior School Green Ninjas (Prep-Year 5) – gardening and grounds exploration.

• Belmont Park Revegetation Project: collaboration with Boroondara Council & KoongKoot Alliance to conserve and revegetate Belmont Park, Deepdene
• Net Zero Network: collaborating with EASL (Eastern Alliance for Sustainable Learning) and local schools to develop sustainable actions
• Eastern Food Rescue: supporting a Melbourne NFP that diverts food from waste and provides food for everyone who eats food
• Container Deposit Scheme: partnering with Scouts Victoria to collect and process the school's containers through the CDS program to raise funds for sustainable projects
• Camberwell Girls Grammar School: participating in sustainability actions together, such as Clean Up Schools Day, Precious Plastics program and Make A Space program
• Clean Up Schools Day: working with CGGS and Port Philip Bay Eco Centre to clean up St Kilda beach
• Schools Tree Day: invited Boroondara Council, KoongKoot Alliances, EASL, CGGS and members of our school leadership team and student leaders to plant 140 plants in Belmont Park on the school's 140-year anniversary (2026)
• STELA Presentation: Towards 2050 shared their projects to the Student Environment Leadership and Action Presentation series - attended by local Melbourne schools
• GALESS Conference: Participation in the International Global Alliance of Leading Edge Schools for Sustainability Conference (2026), attended by schools from Poland, Singapore, Indonesia and Melbourne Schools.