Urban Education ELC

The challenge

The gas heating system at Urban Education Early Learning centre in Deakin was nearing the end of its life. To improve business sustainability, reduce the rising cost of gas, Kylie wanted to look at what alternatives were available.

“When my husband and I initially opened the service, we did a full lighting upgrade to LED to replace the existing fluorescent and halogen lighting.

“After this upgrade, I saw the ACT Government had business grants for energy and water upgrades and thought this would be a great opportunity to replace the gas heating system which was struggling to work.

“Our centre cares for children from as young as 6 weeks to 5 years old. Having a reliable system was important to us to keep our mini humans comfortable.

“These children have been in a bubble since the COVID pandemic. Since restrictions lifted, everyone started getting sick.

“When I heard there was a way to upgrade our system to one that was both more energy efficient, and safer for the children, it was a no brainer.

The action

“I contacted the Business Energy and Water program, and one of their team members came to do a free energy audit and review of the system.

“He was able to give us a detailed action plan with a strategy for energy improvements, which included replacing our gas system.

“When he explained the options available, e.g. installing a reverse cycle split system and the added benefits including the cost savings with zone controlled rooms; it really made the decision easy.

“Once the system was installed, the technician explained about the new systems capacity to inhibit pollutants, mould, viruses, and bacteria to clean and deodorise our indoor air, ensuring quality air for life, and for our mini humans! Obviously, it was a great choice for an early learning centre.

The result

“Ever since we had the new system installed, the educators have been raving about it.

“We strive to create change using more efficient resources to protect our beautiful world, and the Business Energy and Water program have given us the tools to get there.

“The capacity to turn rooms on and off is such a bonus. We couldn’t turn off the gas for the cot rooms which meant the rooms were extremely hot and hard to utilise.

“Now they are individually controlled, our children are sleeping and settling better.

“We’ve also seen a decline in overall sickness across the centre. While hard to directly attribute, we feel its directly connected.

“Our highly skilled team of educators work hard to embed sustainable perspectives within all facets of our learning experiences and practices as we know it is fundamental for the purpose of understanding the positive impact we can have on our beautiful planet... right down to using biodegradable nappies and wipes!