On 27 February 2020, the Queensland Government announced the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program (CCSP), which will provide a total funding package of more than $477 million over 4 years to air condition state schools and expand solar panel installations under the existing Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) program.
Reaching completion in April 2022, this program has provided air conditioning to Queensland state school classrooms, libraries and staff rooms; delivering more comfortable teaching and learning environments for our students, teachers and school communities.
In total, under this program, approximately 650 state schools have benefited from air conditioning installations, making some 10,000 classrooms cooler and more comfortable.
The CCSP will also provide an additional $71.1 million over 3 years to expand solar panel installations on state school rooftops to assist in offsetting the additional energy air conditioners will use.
An ongoing maintenance and replacement program for legacy and newly installed systems has been established and will progressively build to a replacement of 10% of air conditioners per year by 2023–24.
Advancing Clean Energy Schools
The ACES program is reducing energy costs at more than 900 state schools through the installation of solar systems and other energy efficiency measures.
The combined investment of $168.1 million for the ACES program will deliver a contribution of approximately 61.4 megawatts of solar to the Queensland Government’s 50% renewable energy goal by 2030 to reduce emissions, address climate change, create new jobs and diversify the economy.
The ACES program is also supporting local businesses and subcontractors to create jobs and assist local economies.
Redcliffe Special School
Elanora State School
Malanda State High School
Boyne Island State School
Tropical North Learning Academy: Smithfield State High School
Yarrabah State School