Schools Water Efficiency ProgramOne program. 1000+ schools. More than 1.2 billion litres of water saved.
Multiple award-winner
Overview
SWEP: The Schools
Water Efficiency
Program.
SWEP is a simple yet powerful Victorian government initiative educating our kids on saving water, and changing attitudes along the way.
SWEP is a data-logging interface that tracks water use in Victorian schools to identify leaks.
If schools can find leaks early, they save water and money. Money that is better spent on computers, equipment and other resources.
Tested on real kids in the real world, the program aligns to the national curriculum from grades 2 to year 10.
SWEP is generating big results and world-wide acclaim for its efforts in sustainability, innovation and education.
SWEP – making schools more sustainable through data made beautiful and meaningful by August.
See more at myswep.com.au
“SWEP is generating big results and world-wide acclaim for its efforts in sustainability, innovation and education.”
What we did
Research, analysis
+ concept
Information architecture
UX design, interface
design
+ branding
Custom development
+ systems integration
Hosting
+ maintenance
In partnership with
0+
billion
litres saved
$0+
million
saved
History Making it better
The concept of data-logging isn't new, but what makes our version of SWEP a success is its simplicity.
Back in 2011, when August became immersed in the project, SWEP was already a successful initiative. But the problem was this: what could we do to better engage students and save water at the same time.
The answer lay in the combination of technology and design. We made data beautiful and accessible to the SWEP audience.
Two years later, we achieved our goal: SWEP's reach extends to more than 1000 schools. Hundreds of thousands of active participants are joining in the conversation.
...and dive
Platform How SWEP works
SWEP does all the hard work behind the scenes to provide schools with data on their water usage.
A sophisticated custom backend system ensures seamless integration, automated reporting and information share between multiple stakeholders
Supplier
School
A
"SWEP is an awesome way
to learn maths
at school."
School
B
"SWEP shows
us how much
water our school
is using!."
School
C
"We can compete against other schools and save more water."
School
D
"The graphs in SWEP are easy
to read."
Swim faster...
Design Making data beautiful.
The SWEP website and interface uses lively illustrations, friendly typography and a bold colour palette.
By adopting a vibrant aesthetic, data becomes beautiful.
We get excited about data here at August. It gives us the evidence in which to test our assumptions and pursue our ideas. So in devising the aesthetic for SWEP, it was essential that data was presented in a fun and appealing way to relate to kids of all ages.
Through colour, illustration and typography, we hoped to challenge the notion that data is boring.
Tread lightly...
Technology Bringing data to life.
SWEP is more than just an interface
that tracks water usage in schools.
The simplicity of the SWEP interface hides a complex system architecture that connects multiple user groups with data from a number of suppliers.
The interface updates every 15 minutes and provides users with status boards and easy-to-interpret graphs. The data gives teachers accurate, practical, evidence-based material to engage with students by showing rather than telling them about the benefits of saving water.
Results The water revolution.
In two short years, SWEP hit its target of getting 500 schools to sign up for the program.
As the builders of the platform, August is immensely proud to be part of Victoria's water revolution.
SWEP is a globally recognised sustainable education program. It may be used in schools, but its inherent value is in provoking behaviourial change. The next generation is learning why it is important to save water at home, in their garden and in the community.
Initiatives like SWEP can nudge people towards a shift in attitude. And this can only be a good thing.
of
...Kick, kick, kick
The lowdown The SWEP journey.
SWEP is a hugely successful platform delivering outstanding results. It's also an awesome example of how Government and decision-makers can drive change and encourage people to act.
SWEP is electric.
The idea of a data-logging platform lends itself to tracking electricity and solar energy. Bill shock? Gone. Wasted water? Gone. Wasted electricity? Gone.
What they're saying about SWEP.
A large part of the success of SWEP is the way in which schools have embraced it – in the classroom and beyond.
The awards trail.
We were over the moon when SWEP won this United Nations award. It is awesome global recognition for a platform built locally in Melbourne.
My name is Ursula, and I'm concerned about the environment. SWEP can make a difference at your school, too!
Hey, I'm Jacob. Data-logging shows us how we can save water at school and at home.
Hi, I'm Lisa. We use SWEP in maths class. It's an awesome way to learn about saving water.
Cute schoolkids, everyday objects and idyllic scenery help turn data logging and tracking into a playful and fun learning experience.
The Sustainia Award is changing the focus of the climate change debate towards tangible solutions that can make a real difference.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sustainia100 Chair
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Steven Capp, Assistant Principal
Mcclelland College, Frankston, Victoria
“We've saved more than 7 million litres of water a year since participating in the SWEP program, and that equates to more than $15,000 a year.”
-
Les Walker
Department Of Sustainability & Environment
“August has been innovative in their approach to the development of the program's web platform. They have met our needs in providing the digital and creative aspects of SWEP.”
-
Tony Kelly
Yarra Valley Water
"Data loggers fitted to water meters enable schools to monitor and manage their water usage, increasing their efficiency and enabling them to fix problems such as leaking pipes quickly. By using the supporting online education materials at the same time, the school will save water and money and set a great example to students."
-
Kerry Archer
Mcclelland College, Frankston, Victoria
"It is up to our children to carry this through to future generations, so it is essential that they understand the importance of water and how to use it in the most sustainable way possible."