Ecology & Sustainability

Mazenod College has made a commitment to ecological practice and to respond to the call to protect our common home for the wellbeing of all, as we address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and ecological sustainability. Currently the College is recognised as a ‘Resource Smart school’ and a ‘Catholic Earthcare school’, and we are on the journey to five stars with both programs.

Taking Action

Laudato Si'

We are also actively working on our Laudato Si' Action Plan, a bold and active response to the ecological crisis, so urgently illustrated in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. This plan has seven goals that provide guidance on urgent and immediate actions each one of us can take in the care of our common home.

1. Response to the Cry of the Earth
   
2. Response to the Cry of the Poor
3. Ecological Economics
4. Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles
5. Ecological Education
6. Ecological Spirituality
7. Community Engagement and Participatory Action

STUDENT DRIVEN

E.A.S.T.

To have a true and lasting impact we know that this focus on ecological sustainability must be driven by our students and as such the student-driven ‘Ecology and Sustainability Team’ (EAST) was created in 2022. EAST has a junior and senior team and these students have already produced and actioned several initiatives to address our various ecological goals.

These goals include:

• various recycling programs
• solar panels
• initiatives to reduce waste
• water harvesting
• vegetable and produce garden
• leading and participating in ecological sustainability forums
• a focus on ecological sustainability throughout the curriculum across multiple subject areas
• developing links with local councils, businesses, and other schools to widen our impact and reach
• development of indigenous gardens in various areas of the College.