Green Vouchers for Schools - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I claim my Green Voucher money?
Claims for Green Vouchers closed on 30 June 2008 (5.00 pm EST). Schools who have incurred eligible expenses or committed to a contract between 17 July 2007 and 30 June 2008, in line with the Green Vouchers Guidelines, can still submit a claim. Schools that lodge a claim after the 30 June 2008 deadline will be required to provide evidence of their financial and/or contractual commitments. Alternatively, schools are encouraged to claim under the new National Solar Schools Program (NSSP). For more information visit the NSSP web site.
You can contact the Australian Government Community Water Grants Unit via email at greenvouchers@nrm.gov.au or phone 1800 020 625. Once you have completed your project you will need to return an Acquittal and Declaration.
Does accepting a quote classify as 'entering into a contract'?
Yes. If you have told a supplier that you will accept their quote then you have entered into a contract, even if the information was provided verbally.
Why was the Green Vouchers for Schools Program suspended for a few weeks?
The previous government's Green Vouchers for Schools Program supported schools in installing rainwater tanks and/or solar hot water systems. Following feedback from schools, the government is replacing this program with a new, more flexible initiative, the National Solar Schools Program.
Do the eligible items differ between the new National Solar Schools Program and Green Vouchers?
Yes. There is a wider range of eligible items available under National Solar Schools Program. The National Solar Schools Program includes the following items which are unavailable through Green Vouchers:
- Solar panels;
- Lighting upgrades;
- Sky lights;
- Shade awnings; and
- Other energy and water efficiency improvements.
Further information on the National Solar Schools Program.
How can I get a copy of the Green Voucher Guidelines or forms?
For a copy of the Green Voucher Guidelines (related addendums) and forms please see our website at www.environment.gov.au/greenvouchers.
When can I get my Green Voucher funding?
Green Voucher funding will be available to those schools that have entered into contractual arrangements for green voucher activities after 17 July 2007 and before 1 July 2008. To claim Green Voucher funding your school can contact the Australian Government Community Water Grants Unit on 1800 020 625 or greenvouchers@nrm.gov.au. .
When do I give you my bank details?
You will be asked to provide your bank details when you receive your Green Vouchers Letter of Offer and Funding Agreement. Once you have completed and returned your funding agreement and it has been processed by us, we will deposit the funding in your nominated bank account.
Have the Green Vouchers Guidelines been changed?
Minor alternations have been made to Part 7: Lodging Your Claim of the Green Voucher Guidelines and Part 2.3 Program duration. You can see the Guidelines addendums on the website at www.environment.gov.au/greenvouchers.
There have been no changes related to activities which are eligible under the program.
How long do I have to complete the project?
This will be stated in your Funding Agreement and Terms and Conditions. Your project must be started within three months of signing your Funding Agreement. The project must be completed within six months of that date.
What evidence of my project will I need to provide?
At the end of your project your school will need to send us the Acquittal and Declaration forms along with copies of receipts. You may also like to include some photos.
Will Green Voucher funding affect my school's National Solar Schools Program funding?
Yes. Amounts claimed under Green Vouchers will be deducted from a school's entitlement under the new National Solar Schools Program.
Who do I contact to discuss my Green Voucher project?
You can contact the Australian Government Community Water Grants Unit via email at greenvouchers@nrm.gov.au or phone 1800 020 625.
When you submit a claim for Green Voucher funding, you will be allocated a Project Officer who you can contact directly.
Will I be expected to promote Green Vouchers funding at my school?
There are no specific promotional requirements as part of Green Vouchers funding. However, you may be contacted by the Australian Government Community Water Grants Unit regarding promotional opportunities if they arise. If you are planning an event or a news article related to your project we would appreciate being informed.
Can my school access an amount for a rainwater tank one month and an amount for a solar hot water system another month until it has used up its Green Vouchers funding?
No. Green Voucher funding is a one-off payment. If your school needs both rainwater tanks and a solar hot water system then you will need to make one claim for funding covering both items.
What happens if my school has received funding or a rebate for a rainwater tank or solar hot water from a state government department or a water authority?
Green Voucher funding will not be reduced if your school has received funding or rebates from any state, territory or local government program, or from a water or energy authority or provider. Funding is only reduced if you have received funding under an Australian Government program.
Does my school need to declare rainwater tank funding obtained by a parent or friend association?
Your school must declare any Australian Government funding for rainwater tanks which have been installed upon school property whether funding was obtained by the school or another organisation.
Can variations be made to the project scope?
No. Variations to the project scope will not be funded. Variations to project completion time may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Where can I find my school's DEST number?
Your school must provide a DEST number in order to register for Green Vouchers. If you do not know your school's DEST number then you should contact the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations on 1800 677 027 (Toll free) during business hours.
Can the water harvested in a rainwater tank funded by Green Vouchers be for potable use, for example, drinking, showering or cooking?
No. The harvested rainwater cannot be for potable use. This requirement may be waived in special circumstances for schools in rural or remote areas. To obtain this waiver, your school will need to notify us with the reason.
If my school has a mains water supply which is not suitable for drinking can the school use a rainwater tank for potable uses?
If the reticulated water supply is not of drinking standard then a school may seek an exemption to use their Green Voucher funded rainwater tank water for potable use.
Can Green Voucher funding be used for an underground tank?
Yes. An underground tank which is used to capture rainwater is considered to be a rainwater tank and so therefore is eligible for Green Voucher funding.
What are Renewable Energy Certificates?
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are an electronic form of currency initiated by the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000. RECs are created by registered persons, validated by the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator, traded between registered persons, and eventually surrendered to demonstrate liability compliance against the requirements of the Australian Government's mandatory renewable energy target.
Owners of eligible solar water heater installations are eligible for RECs. Owners of eligible solar water heater installations have the option to claim RECs themselves by completing the appropriate application forms or assign their right to claim RECs to an agent. For more information contact the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator on (02) 6274 2192.
Where can my school find out if a model is eligible for 20 or more RECs?
Your school can check this at the register of solar water heaters which is found at the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator . The number of RECs will depend on the model's installation date and geographic location.
If my school is installing a number of solar or heat pump hot water models as part of one system, does each model need to be eligible for a minimum of 20 RECs or can the system as a whole add up to 20 RECs?
Each solar or heat pump hot water model must be eligible for 20 or more RECs according to the Register of solar water heaters.
Who do RECs belong to?
The RECs belong to the purchaser of the system. In the case of Green Vouchers this would be the school. Schools are free to do what they want with their RECs. Options include claiming them, trading them for a discount on the system or a rebate with the supplier.
Does Green Voucher funding cover a gas or electric booster?
Solar hot water systems tend to come with a booster as an integral component of the system. An additional booster system should not be needed and would not be funded.
Can a solar hot water system be connected to a rainwater tank?
As the rainwater tank is for non-potable use it can not be connected to the solar hot water system. An exemption for using a rainwater tank for potable purpose is available under special circumstances; see section 8.1 of the Green Vouchers for Schools Guidelines.
How does Green Vouchers funding work in terms of GST?
We work out the amount of Green Vouchers funding for which you are eligible, for example, $40,000. This is a GST exclusive amount.
You make a claim to us for $40,000 plus any GST. The GST may be $4,000 (as you are being charged GST on all components of your project) or less (if, for example, one of your suppliers or tradespeople is not registered for GST). When you make the claim for funding you will submit a quote or quotes to us that are inclusive of GST and we will pay you this amount.
It is your school's responsibility to ensure that tax obligations with regard to GST are fulfilled. For more information contact the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 66.
Are commercial operators authorised to operate on behalf of Green Vouchers for Schools in any capacity?
Some companies may offer services, for a fee, to assist your school to access Green Vouchers funding, or to provide assistance free of charge providing the school contracts them to carry out the work. These companies are not Australian Government representatives or Australian Government endorsed suppliers.
The Green Vouchers for Schools registration and claim process is simple, straightforward and not competitive. Registering your school and claiming Green Vouchers for Schools funding is free. The Australian Government Community Water Grants Unit can provide advice if required.
Green Vouchers for Schools will not accept any registration or claim submitted by anyone other than an employee of the school who has been authorised to submit a registration or claim on behalf of the school. Your school is legally responsible for managing the Green Vouchers for Schools funding.
What is an authorised person?
The authorised person is the person who can sign the Funding Agreement on behalf of your school. Usually only certain office holders are legally empowered to sign a contract on behalf of your school. You must supply the name, title and contact details of the person who is able to do this. We will refer to this person as the authorised person.
What approvals or permits does my project require?
It is your responsibility to investigate whether approvals or permits are required for your project. You may need approval from your local council, a state health department, or an Australian Government environment department.
Can my school use the Green Voucher solely on a solar hot water system?
Yes. Your school can choose whether to spend the Green Voucher on rainwater tanks or a solar hot water system, or both, depending on your needs.
Can a solar or heat pump hot water system be used to heat a swimming pool?
Previously this was not eligible under the Green Vouchers for Schools Program. However, with the new Government's keen focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency outcomes this item will now be allowed.
Contact NSSP
For further information on National Solar Schools contact:
nationalsolarschools
@environment.gov.au
Or call NSSP on their hotline:
1800 703 831
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