Our Carbon Footprint
On this page:
Reducing our Carbon Footprint
Leading the way
The University of Melbourne understands the commitment it has to students, staff and the wider community to minimise its environmental impact through the implementation of environmentally sustainable practices. As one of Australia's premier research and teaching institutions, the University is continuing the trend of excellence by creating environmental sustainability on campus.
The University of Melbourne is the first mainland University to have three campuses declared 100% Green Energy certified: these are Dookie, Creswick and Burnley as of January 2008.
The University of Melbourne Council has adopted targets for 2008-2010 and 2030 to reduce carbon emissions on its campuses. A program has been developed to achieve major reductions in our carbon footprint by 2030 to decrease the environmental impact of our operations.
|
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% |
Compliance with Legislation
In recent years, the Federal and Victorian Government has introduced new legislation to conserve energy through the;
- Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act 2006 and Energy Efficiency Opportunities Regulations 2006 from the Department of Industry, Tourism & Resources.
- Environment and Resource Efficiency Plans (EREP's), Victorian Environment Protection Act
- National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007, Department of Climate Change.
The University of Melbourne has registered to each of the above Government requirements. The University is above the set thresholds for energy and water user as set out by the Government. The University's estimated total annual energy use is 0.6 Peta Joules.
Where did we start?
A Type 3 energy audit was completed by external consultants on 6 March 2007 in accordance with AS 3598: 2000. The audit included 13 faculties containing 70 buildings within the Parkville Campus. The energy savings identified equate to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 25,735 tonnes per annum, which represents 20% of the total CO2 emissions for the Parkville Campus. An additional $3.5 million was provided to implement a range of energy saving initiatives. These measures are complemented by a campaign to raise awareness within the University community and an extensive program of reuse, recycling and hard waste management.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) and lighting are the largest energy users accounting for a total of 71% of the total audited energy usage. These are therefore the main focus areas for energy saving opportunities. [Source: Energy Audit Report, Energetics, The University of Melbourne, 6 March 2007]
Breakup of Energy Usage by End Use System
For a detailed summary of the Energy Audit Report please see Energy Audit [.pdf]
What are we doing ?
Energy Management
Energy management initiatives as recommended by the Energy Audit are being rolled out in stages, initially focussing on the buildings that are the highest energy consumers on Parkville campus. For details on our projects, refer to:
Purchase of certified renewable energy
In 2007, 5% certified renewable electricity was purchased for all the University’s main campuses. In January 2008, the University further demonstrated its leadership and commitment to sustainability through the purchase of 100% certified renewable electricity to three campuses - Dookie, Creswick and Burnley. All remaining campuses moved to 10% in 2008, increasing to 15% in 2009 and 20% in 2010.
Renewable electricity is purchased on the University’s behalf by its electricity supplier and typically comprises a mix of wind, landfill gas and bagasse.
Abatement measures
In addition to a renewable component, the University also purchases carbon abatement as part of its electricity contract. From January 2008 to June 2009, 5% of Parkville campus’ electricity usage is offset through the purchase of abatements, rising to 10% from July 2009.
The University’s electricity supplier purchases tradeable abatement certificates (NGAC’s) through the NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme.
Results to date
Up to date progress reports are available from Results and Reports.
What you can do
Office Tips to Reduce Your Energy
While the energy management program is being rolled out, we encourage everyone to assist us in achieving the energy reduction targets by turning off lights and equipment when not required. Detailed advice on how to save energy is available from:
How else to contribute
- Make sure you are following the Sustainable Office Checklist or Sustainable Laboratory Checklist
- Report energy efficiency opportunities using the Report a Sustainability Improvement Opportunity form
- Switch-off reminder stickers - refer to General Posters and Stickers.