Our Sustainability Achievements
The University of Melbourne Council first adopted targets to reduce the University’s carbon emissions for the period 2008-2010, with an aspirational goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Measures to reduce carbon footprint*** |
||||
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2030 |
Reduction in Energy Use |
10% |
15% |
20% |
>20% |
Certified Green Energy |
10% |
15% |
20% |
>20% |
Abatement Measures (carbon offsets) |
5% |
10% |
10% |
|
Total Impact |
25% |
40% |
50% |
100% |
*** Reductions from 2006 baseline
All of the 2008 – 2010 targets were achieved. Some of the highlights are as follows:
Energy Reduction
- Projects completed through the University’s energy reduction program will deliver an estimated 25,200 tonnes of ongoing annual carbon savings
- Energy reduction projects have focussed on upgrades of building automation systems and improvements to lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
- Staff Awareness Programs have also contributed to energy reduction, through an Energy Management program for switching off lights, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC), computers and other appliances when not in use.
- Total energy consumption has decreased from our 2006 baseline despite University expansion of over 13% during this time, largely due to this range of projects being undertaken. The full benefits of many of these projects will not be evident until late 2011 when a full year of post-implementation data is available.
Green Power and Abatements
- Since the purchase of Green Power first commenced in 2007, and abatements in 2008, Green Power and abatement purchases have reduced the University’s carbon emissions by a cumulative total of over 86,000 tonnes by end 2010.
- The University of Melbourne has purchased 100% certified Green Energy on three campuses, Dookie, Creswick and Burnley, since January 2008.
- In 2010, the University is purchasing 20% Green Power (up from 15% in 2009) for remaining campuses. A further 10% of electricity emissions are being offset through the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme in 2010.
Nett Emissions
- The University’s nett emissions (emissions from electricity, mains gas, LPG and steam less the offsets of Green Power and abatements) have reduced from 141,031 tonnes in 2006 to 80,021 tonnes at end 2010 – a 43% decrease. This result was achieved despite gross floor area increasing by more than 13% over the period and illustrates the combined effect of on-site energy reduction projects, the purchase of Green Power and abatement measures.
Water
- Annual water consumption has been reduced by 30% from 2006 to the end 2010.
- TheWerribee-based Faculty of Veterinary Science has replaced over 50% of its potable water usage with Class A recycled water.
- The Burnley campus upgraded its sprinkler system, installed water tanks, replaced turf and replaced bathroom fittings to reduce its water usage by 61% over the period.
- Parkville campus has introduced a range of water saving measures including installation of drip irrigation, mulching of gardens and trees, planting of drought tolerant plants, installation of water tanks, leak detection testing systems, installation of water efficient bathroom fittings, improvements to cooling towers and capture and reuse of onsite stormwater. These collective efforts have enabled water consumption at our main campus to be reduced by 23% from 2006.
University of Melbourne Potable Water Consumption
The 2011 - 2015 target allows for University expansion and longer term dry conditions