UTS has one of the most ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets of any Australian university - to reduce emissions 30% by 2020/21 based on 2007 levels. To help achieve this we have embarked on a program of energy saving and transitioning to renewable energy.
Renewable energy
We are investing in renewable energy, installing solar panels on our own city rooftops, as well as contracting directly with solar farms in regional NSW. Our goal is to demonstrate leadership in urban solar and renewable energy contracting, to be a leader among Australian universities. Recently we signed a contract for a new $40 million solar farm in Walgett in regional NSW, under construction in 2019. More details here. So far our projects include;
INSTALLATION | NUMBER OF PANELS | CAPACITY | DATE |
---|---|---|---|
Building 11 roof top | 72 panels | 21.6 kw | 2014 |
Also on Building 11 | Solar thermal technology | 10 kw | 2014 |
Singleton solar farm, stage 2 | 3,333 panels | 200 kw | Contract with XYZ solar |
Orange solar farm | 242 panels | 60 kw | Contract with Pentagon Generation, 2017 |
Yura Mudang student housing, Building 6 | 86 panels | 28 kw | 2017 |
Building 4 | 224 panels | 73 kw | 2017 |
Aerial Function Centre, Building 10 | 426 panels | 127 kw | 2017 |
Total capacity so far | 4383 panels | 519.6 kw | 2014-2017 |
Energy saving
We recently invested $9 million to improve energy efficiency of existing buildings including:
- New sensor lighting switching off automatically when rooms are empty
- New energy efficient light fittings and bulbs, including LEDs
- New energy management software to help better manage energy demand
- Air-conditioning upgrades, including switching from electricity to gas with a lower carbon footprint
- Behaviour change programs to encourage students and staff to get involved though ‘switch-off’ campaigns, Earth Hour, and similar events
- New lifts in the tower building
The UTS 2013-21 Energy and Greenhouse Plan (pdf) provides more detail on current actions.
New buildings opened since 2014 all incorporate best practice energy use.
Ways you can help
- Turn off computers and monitors at the end of the day or when not in use
- Choose natural light as much as possible, only turn on lights when necessary
- Switch off lights as you leave empty rooms
- Take the stairs instead of the lift
- Choose CFL and LED bulbs for desk lamps
- Turn off all machinery and lab or kitchen equipment when not in use
- Don’t boil an entire kettle for one cup
- Report faulty lighting to Facilities Management or email: maintenance.request@uts.edu.au
- Spread the word to friends and colleagues about not wasting energy.