Bank's boost is cool for schools

Bendigo Bank, in partnership with Earth Hour, Cool Australia, ZEN Energy and The People's Solar today announced a pilot crowd funding campaign to kick off the start of Enviroweek.

The campaign aims to harness the support of local people and businesses to cover installation costs of roof top solar systems at Glenunga International High School in South Australia and Lorne Aireys Inlet College in Victoria.

Executive Bendigo Wealth John Billington said Bendigo Bank was delighted to partner with Cool Australia to support the pilot program.

"The benefits to the students will be realised immediately," Mr Billington said.

"From the moment the solar panels are installed, the schools can start to invest money they would normally pay to cover power bills into school improvement projects instead.

"This is the fourth year we have supported Enviroweek, and through initiatives like these we hope to create a generation of young Australians who are excited about protecting our environment for generations to come.

"Part of our commitment towards being Australia's most customer connected bank is recognising the very real impact we are having on our environment.

"Our Bank purchases more than 85 per cent of its electricity requirements from renewable sources, and has continued to do so throughout 2015.

"This commitment is supported by our major corporate headquarters in Bendigo and Adelaide, with both buildings achieving 5 star Green Star ratings," Mr Billington said.

"Cool Australia CEO Jason Kimberley said more than 262,000 students from 3,337 schools and early learning centres are participating in 2015.

"Enviroweek shows that all actions add up to big results when we work together," Mr Kimberley said.

"Cool Australia are providing the platform for the next generations of young Australians to take action and invest in the future they want to create."

Enviroweek runs from 30 August to 5 September, for more information, visit www.enviroweek.org