Melbourne Uni to invest millions in clean energy projects
The University of Melbourne will receive a $9.1 million loan from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to fund a number of energy reduction and generation projects as part of the university’s push towards zero emissions electricity and carbon neutrality by 2030.
The types of clean energy projects could include voltage optimisation, freezer upgrades, solar PV, solar thermal and roof-mounted micro wind turbines — an innovative renewable technology to harness wind power in urban environments.
Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt said the investment will help the university reduce its grid electricity use by around 8%.
“Universities are an integral part of our cities’ infrastructure and in many ways their campuses can resemble mini-cities,” said Hunt.
“Most universities have buildings that were built decades ago. Taking action on energy efficiency and putting in place some of the features of modern buildings will help universities save on energy costs.”
The University of Melbourne, with around 47,000 students, has the energy requirements of a town the size of Warrnambool, a regional centre and former port city on the south-western coast of Victoria, home to around 30,000 residents.
The CEFC funding is expected to assist the university in delivering carbon emissions savings of over 9000 tonnes per year — a challenge in light of ongoing public budget restraints, intensifying global competition and the need to use cutting-edge technology to meet increasing student expectations.
Since 2006 the campus has implemented an environmental sustainability strategy for its operation that has so far reduced energy usage per floor area by around 24%.
The university said it is one of the leading institutes across the sector working to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases, cut energy use and adopt more renewable and sustainable energy sources as it develops its campuses for a sustainable future.
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