The finalists for the ResourceSmart Schools Awards were been announced by Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D'Ambrosio on Wednesday.

Ararat 800 Primary School is a finalist for ‘Student Action Team of the Year’ in the primary school division, along with Chewton Primary School, Tatura primary school along with St Louis Primary School in Aspendale.

The ResourceSmart Schools Awards presentation ceremony will be held in October.

Ms  D’Ambrosio said she congratulated all finalists.

“To be named a finalist or winner in the ResourceSmart Schools Awards 2017, is a tribute to the hard work of the school communities across Victoria,” she said.

“I congratulate young Victorians for being passionate, innovative and helping to build communities that are more liveable and sustainable.”

Sustainability Victoria received 150 entries from 87 schools.

Now in its 10th year, the 2017 Awards focused on the theme ‘a decade of school wins for the environment.’

The ResourceSmart Schools program inspires students and their schools to take action on sustainability and climate change, while providing new learning opportunities.

Projects included the installation of solar panels, grey water ponds, garden beds, aquaponics ponds and beds, re-used tyre and sleeper walls, permaculture areas, compost systems and orchards.