Queenwood Junior School hosted the Zero Emissions School Network Meeting for Term 3 20220. Thank you to Mrs Sandwell and the Year 6 hosts. The Network enjoyed a waste free afternoon tea, tour and presentation of initiatives.
We also enjoyed a presentation from Geert Hendrix about Farmwall. Farmwall provides educational tools and student engagement programs to activate interest in agritech, through the STEM curriculum. From regenerative farming to growing food on Mars, they plan to get the students on board in one way or the other. Learn more about Farmwall here: https://farmwall.com
Zero Emissions Schools Network had the honour of being the recipient of a Mosman Community Grant for 22/23 for the second year in a row! This funding means the Zero Emissions Schools Network will be able to continue providing all the schools in the Mosman LGA with quarterly meetings, newsletters and one on one consulting.
The Network is a great space to have schools collaborate, share and learn more ways they can become more sustainable. Thank you to Mosman Council and Mayor Corrigan for your ongoing support of the program.
The ZESN Schools Network has been awarded the Mosman Community Grant for the second year in a row.
The energy and passion to become more environmentally sustainable is a delight to behold and the program highlights the value of networking together for a positive outcome.
Mayor Carolyn Corrigan, Mosman Municipal Council
About the ZESN Schools Program
The Zero Emissions Schools Program was designed and developed by Jenni Hagland (Program Leader), with Ursula Hogben (Co-Founder), in consultation with Loani Tierney, Environment Education Officer, Mosman Council.
We’re glad you asked.
Subscribing to our newsletter is a great way to be involved. Sharing it with your friends and joining us on social media helps even more as we’re build a community of like-minded locals passionate about sustainability and low carbon living.
Looking for something more, something meaningful and fun? We would love you join our volunteer team! ZESN Volunteers working group has grant funding to expand our impact and we’ve launched Our Big Switch to help 100 local homes, businesses and schools make low carbon switches. Anyone interested can contact Ursula, Fay or Narween.
Electric car and Electric bike owners and displays
If you are delighted by your EV, or you are enjoying your electric bike, come and show it off at one of our regular EV show-and-tells. We hold these at least once a quarter at the Mosman Markets, and are looking at larger events. Contact Ursula, Alan or Chris and we can tell you all about it.
Zero Emissions Transport team at the Mosman MarketZero Emissions Transport: Kona, E-Bike, Tesla
Zero Emissions Info Stall market team
Our friendly volunteer team is at Mosman Markets four times this year, and plans to new areas. Would you be interested in doing a stall on the Northern Beaches or North Shore? We provide equipment, signs, training and back-up. Contact Louise or Marieken for more details.
Social media – Facebook, Twitter, Insta & LinkedIn!
Between them, Ursula and Marieken do most of Zero’s social media. It’s a great way to build community, but it takes time! If you love twitter, are nifty on instagram, or want to launch the Zero Emissions Solutions Tiktok account, we want to hear from you. Contact Marieken to find out more.
Council Reps
Working with our local councils can be a rewarding and have real impact. We have representatives working with Mosman, Northern Beaches and North Sydney but would welcome people who want to get involved with councils including Willoughby and Lane Cove. Contact Ursula to find out more.
Presentations and Events
We’ve presented over 70 free information sessions on rooftop solar, renewable energy, EVs and more. Over the last three years, thousands of households have come to our presentations. We welcome people getting involved, either in organising presentations and events, or on centre stage! Contact Ann-Charlott or Ursula to find out more.
Schools Network
Last year Jenni Hagland, working with ZESN and Mosman Council. brought all eight schools in Mosman together to form the Zero Emissions Schools Network! The program continues this year, with plans to hold an Expo and awards ceremony later in the year. There’s lots to do, and huge amounts of enthusiasm. Join the team or find out more by contacting Jenni.
Zero Emissions Schools Network Mosman: Mosman Public
Collaborations and new ZESN programs are welcome!
We have successful co-branded collaborations with SolarPro, Diamond Energy, The Good Car Company and Mosman Council. We’re happy to discuss further collaborations!
Do you have big ideas? Are you wanting to make a difference? We’d love to help YOU. If you have an idea for an action or an initiative in the Northern Beaches or North Shore, we can help, whether it’s sharing information or contacts, acting as a sounding board, or even supporting you to develop a new program under the Zero Emissions Solutions brand umbrella. Let’s talk!
It’s been back to school for students, and back to school for Zero Emissions Solutions at our final network meeting for the year, hosted by Sacred Heart Mosman.
Staff and students from Sacred Heart Mosman gave an inspiring presentation on their sustainability journey. We love how the whole school community is involved — including staff, students, parents and the broader community. And we love how sustainability measures are integrated into the curriculum and into everyday life.
Just a few highlights:
BINS bins bins
All the colours, and with great signage. Congratulations to the student representative council (SRC) for running Waste-free Wednesdays and reducing waste by 75% –from 8 red bins down to just 2 a day.
The Sustainable Garden
A learning centre for all grades, from watching how things grow in K-1 to, in years 5 and 6, an integrated STEM project on garden bed design, including researching plants, mulch and irrigation options. Everyone is a gardener!
Indigenous Perspectives
Regular visits from David Harrington of Stones and Bones, a learning partner who combines indigenous perspectives and sustainable gardening skills. Bushcraft, story telling, science and first nations wisdom and lots of fun!
A message from Jenni and the schools team:
This was the last meeting of the year. Reflecting back on our first meeting in Feb, it is amazing to think how each and every school was at a different place on their sustainable journey when we started. With some schools, progress was well under way and we want to thank you for sharing your initiatives with us over the past year. For some other schools just starting this journey, we just want to say how inspired we are by your efforts and enthusiasm. We know all too well what a huge challenge it is to address sustainability at the school when you are working at it alone on top of your normal role. You are all doing an amazing job and we thank you for attending these meetings and sharing in your journey and progress.
After a nutty first six months of the year for Zero Emissions Solutions the idea was to slow things down a little in July and August.
Hmm. About that… Here’s how the diary ended up looking.
July 20: Solar My House Webinar, with David Veal of Solarpro (recording here)
July 19: Mosman Council delivers our Sustainable Living Guide to 30,000 households
August 3: Mosman Council Climate Action Community Committee
August 4: Zero Emissions Schools Network – Mosman, hosted by Beauty Point Public School
August 5: Solar My House Webinar, with Ruth Irwin of Mosman Council (recording here)
August 17: Ann-Charlott spoke with Nigel Howard and Joeline Hackman of War on Waste Northern Beaches, discussing what local residents can do to reduce emissions (recording here)
Representatives from Zero Emissions Solutions also attended seminars and meetings with (in no particular order) Vote Earth Now, Infinite Australia, AEVA, Groundswell, BZE Renewable Industrial Precincts, the Climate Council, 350.org, 1millionwomen and C4C. In particular, we recommend Professor Lesley Hughes briefing on the IPCC report, in conjunction with Australian Parents For Climate.
We worked with Arnies Recon to launch free EWaste Community Collection days for the Northern Beaches including Avalon 2 Sept, Dee Why 9 Sept, Manly 13 Sept, Mosman 16 Sept.
Finally, we continue to work with Clean Energy for Eternity on a major project to create an urban renewable energy zone – watch this space!
So you’re interested in volunteering? In doing something meaningful and fun? In working with dynamic and inspiring people?
We’d love to have you.
Zero Emissions Solutions is an all-volunteer run community organisation working in Mosman and the Northern Beaches LGAs. We’re all about practical ways to take action on climate: things we can do that will have a real impact. No-one is going to solve the climate crisis on their own. Working together for zero emissions has to be the way forward.
Where to start?
Choose from a range of activities to match your skills and/or interests.
Solar My House is Zero Emissions Solutions flagship program. We’ve run over 30 events since 2019, reaching more than 300 households, creating guides, videos and case studies, and attending forums, local expos and online events. We’re always looking for people who are passionate about rooftop solar to get involved with organising events and taking this exciting program forward. You don’t need special skills, just enthusiasm for making a difference. If you can help, please contact Ann Charlott.
Zero Emissions Homes working group meets regularly and creates resources to save energy and emissions at home. They produce Council/LGA specific Sustainable Living Guides, the first was the Mosman Sustainable Living Guide provided to Mosman LGA’s 30,000 residents in mid 2021. They promote switching and supporting renewable energy to approx. halve household emissions. They also look at sustainable solutions including new house design, renovations, appliances, pools and policy. If you are interested in ecosmart retrofits, building trends and energy savings, please email Ursula on electric@zeroemissionssolutions.org
Out and about
The Zero Emissions Markets team launched our first market stall at Mosman in October last year. Since then, they’ve held 7 events. In 2022, their sights are set on exploring markets in the Northern Beaches. It’s a fun opportunity to meet like-minded volunteers and to have meaningful conversations with the local community. No experience required, just a big smile and an hour or two of your time! If you’re interested, please contact Lesley.
Our youngest volunteer, Theo, demonstrates how to measure household energy consumption.Mosman Markets group: Louise, Lesley, Fay
Zero Emissions Schools is run by Jenni Hagland and Liz Migliorini. They are responsible for the guides on our Schools page and they convene the Zero Emissions Schools Network (Mosman). If you’re involved in education, or if you’ve got school age children and want to get your school involved in sustainability, they would be keen to hear from you. Lots to do, from researching resources to project managing events. Please email Jenni on schools@zeroemissionssolutions.org
Worksheets to download Zero Emissions Schools Network Mosman: Mosman Public
Zoom zoom
Zero Emissions Transport is run by Ursula and the Zero Emissions Transport working group. They’ve put together great resources and guides to help electrify your transport on our Electric Vehicles and Electric Bikes pages. They’ve reached over 250 households with Zero Emissions Transport info sessions, and held 7 E-Transport Markets show and tells with electric cars, bikes, scooters and motorcycles. They’ve investigated second hand EVs, hosted a test-drive day, compiled a report on Councils installing chargers, and are creating case studies on many EVs. If you have an EV or are interested in EVs, and would like to be involved, please email Ursula on electric@zeroemissionssolutions.org
Zero Emissions Transport: E-ScooterGood storage space!
And finally…
If you’re good with words, pictures, sounds, and any other form of story-telling, Harriet wants your help. She puts together the newsletter, website, this blog, marketing materials, and tries to keep up with social media. If you’re an introvert who wants to save the world, or a wordpress genius, if you’re an instagram maven or a budding film maker, a demon proof reader or someone who just likes a yarn, just say hello to Harriet on hello@zeroemissionssolutions.org
We look forward to hearing from you!
All around the world people are taking the day off to demand climate justice for everyone.
Here in Sydney, we’ll be supporting our plucky students in person and on line.
Here are some suggestions on how you can help:
Sign the pledge: Pledge that you, your group, business or organisation will stand with school strikers to oppose public funds being wasted on dirty gas & instead call on the Federal Government to #FundOurFutureNotGas by
Resourcing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions that guarantee land rights and care for Country.
Funding the creation of secure jobs that fast track solutions to the climate crisis and help communities recover.
Funding projects that transition our economy and communities to 100% renewable energy by 2030, through expanded public ownership.
Join a march: Find your nearest strike and let us know let us know if you’d like to join the ZESN group – we’ll be confirming details / meeting place once Covid-19 protocols are confirmed. (NB Sadly, at the moment it looks like outdoor gatherings will not go ahead before October 18.)
Put up a sign: put up an eye-catching sign in a street facing window or in your front yard. Students love to see the support!
Show the world we want climate justice for everyone.
Zero Emissions Solutions is delighted to have received a Mosman Council 21/22 Community Grant to assist schools to reduce emissions and increase sustainability, benefit education, and increase community connections and wellbeing.
Zero Emissions Solutions organised and launched the Zero Emissions Schools Network Mosman in February 2021 with Mosman Council and the 8 schools in the Mosman LGA: Queenwood School for Girls, Mosman Preparatory School, Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Heart School, Beauty Point Public School, Middle Harbour Public School, Mosman High School and Mosman Public School.
“Zero Emissions Solutions have provided us with materials and advice which have enhanced our projects around our school. The network of schools that Zero Emissions have facilitated has been a fantastic knowledge-sharing opportunity for us.”
Brent Robens, Classroom Teacher – Beauty Point Public School
Jenni Hagland (Zero Emissions Schools Program Leader) will coordinate the Network through 2022, with the support of the Mosman Council Community Grant.This includes four meetings a year, a monthly newsletter to all Program participants (with information on grants, sustainable initiatives, competitions, curriculum and information from Mosman Council on ways they can support schools) and materials to assist schools with many sustainability topics. In 2022, we’re excited to introduce annual awards!
The energy and passion to become more environmentally sustainable is a delight to behold and the program highlights the value of networking together for a positive outcome.
Mayor Carolyn Corrigan
Mosman Municipal Council
The Zero Emissions Schools Program was designed and developed by Jenni Hagland (Program Leader), with Ursula Hogben (Co-Founder), in consultation with Loani Tierney, Environment Education Officer, Mosman Council. For more information about Zero Emissions Schools, check out our resources on this website and subscribe to our newsletter.
Students and teachers from Beauty Point Public School played host for the third meeting of the Zero Emissions Schools Network (Mosman) on August 4rd. With greater Sydney in lockdown, it had to be online but, thanks to some video magic, we still got a tour around the school’s environmental trail.
The trail takes you past the vegetable gardens, with built-in watering systems, the cosy home for stingless native bees, the worm farm and the birds and bees highway.
The BPPS Green Team was launched in 2020. They have many ideas for improving sustainability around the school. The school has a water tank and it installed solar panels in October 2020 with assistance from Solar My School. Some of the students’ favourite activities are tree planting and biodiversity initiatives such as the birds and bees highway. Last year grants from Greening Australia and Sustainable Schools have funded planting including 6 large trees and 150 small tubestock trees.
The most colourful sustainability initiative is their rainbow lorikeet mural, which brightens up the playground while reducing UV reflection.
You have all achieved so much. I love what the schools are doing and proposing. Our schools and children are key to getting our community onboard and meeting our net zero target.
Mayor Corrigan
All Mosman Schools were represented at the meeting. It was a great opportunity to exchange ideas and cheer each other on. Thank you, Beauty Point Public School, for hosting, and for giving us a wonderful virtual tour. We look forward to our next meeting on 27 October at Sacred Heart, Mosman.
For more information on family friendly sustainability tips check out Zero Emissions Schools on our website or contact Jenni Hagland, Program Leader. Interested in a school network in your area? Get in touch!
Learning outside is much more fun
Back to zoom!
Planting trees and tube stock
The last six months have been our busiest so far. This is a quick run down of just some of the things we’ve been up to.
19 May: Kirsty & Anna from ZESN’s Advisory Group and Ursula attended the breakfast panel with Matt Kean MP, NSW Minister for Energy and Environment and Chris Bowen MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy: Climate risks and opportunities ahead. NSW has announced the ‘Energy Infrastructure Roadmap’ for renewable energy and recently announced EV initiatives.
19 May: Second Zero Emissions Schools Network Mosman event, hosted by Mosman Public School, chaired by ZESN, supported by Mosman Council.
21 May: Ann-Charlott, Ursula and local climate group friends joined the School Strike for Climate in Sydney, and tens of thousands of Australians joined in capital cities and towns across Australia, to support a net zero emissions target for Australia.
26 May: Tina from ZESN’s Advisory Group and Ursula supported the North Sydney Conversations launch event: The Climate Crisis: Hard Truths and Reasons for Hope, with author Sarah Wilson, Prof Lesley Hughes, climate scientist and MC Dan Illic. Recording here: https://northsydneyconversations.com.au/2021/04/21/truthsandhope/
1 June: The fourth Mosman Council Climate Action Community Consultative Committee Meeting met to discuss Council’s draft Climate Action Plan – Resilience and Adaptation Strategy, with Mayor Corrigan, Cr Sherlock, Mosman Council team, and community members including Ursula from ZESN. The plan will be presented to Council in July 2021, then released for public consultation.
1 June: Ursula hosted a Climate for Change Conversation with facilitator C4C Carly Robertson leading on effective communications and positive climate action. ZESN volunteers discussed volunteer events and training, with training experts Fay Redmond and Narween Otto helping organise the next events. All welcome to join the Volunteer Events and Training working group.
3 June: Solar My House LIVE in Avalon, in collaboration with Our Blue Dot, hosted by Felix Williamson with Solarpro’s David Veal as our handy solar expert. A sell out, with people turned away at the door.
5 June: Mosman Markets: Lesley, Louise, Fay and the team ran the regular stall at Mosman Markets
5 June: Northern Beaches Simplifying Solar Expo: Ann-Charlott, Harriet and Chris manned a stall at NBC’s first Simplifying Solar Expo. 350 attendees came to sessions on solar and renewable energy, and then came by to chat with us and a range of businesses and organisations involved in sustainability, including SunSpot, the Australian Energy Foundation and the University of NSW School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering.
10 June: The launch of a new rooftop solar system at Pioneer Clubhouse, Balgowlah, attended by 30 guests including Michael Regan, Candy Bingham and Zali Steggall’s chief of staff.
If you’d like to work with us, or if you’d like us to visit your workplace or community group to talk about our activities, please get in touch. And if you’d like to be part of this vibrant community, come on in!
BINS bins bins
The Sustainable Garden
Indigenous Perspectives
