Green power lights up UQ

The University of Queensland has become one of the first Australian universities to draw its electricity from renewable energy sources.

In 2008, as part of an ongoing commitment to reducing its ecological footprint and encouraging environmentally-sustainable practices, the University has signed up to use 2.5 percent GreenPower.

UQ Engineering Manager Stewart Hobbs said the purchase was likely to be the first of many, as the University works to cut greenhouse emissions and consolidate its leading environmental credentials.

"With thousands of students and staff on campus each week and an impressive network of facilities, the University is a major energy-user," Mr Hobbs said.

"In light of this, and our standing within the community, we think it is imperative that the University leads the way with green initiatives such as this one.

"With this initial purchase alone, we stand to reduce emissions by a whopping 3400 tonnes of CO2 this year – that's enough to run about 580 homes every month.

"This investment in GreenPower will also afford UQ the unique opportunity to contribute directly to the development of new renewable energy generation, helping us to set an environmental standard and make a difference to the community we're part of."

The switch to GreenPower is just the latest in a string of measures undertaken to "green-proof" UQ campuses through a combination of water conservation and energy and waste management strategies.

Since 2002, the University has invested well over $1 million in water saving measures, reducing water consumption by 50 percent, and earning UQ the title of "Top Water Saver" for the Brisbane City Council area for 2006.

Savings to date have been achieved through a range of initiatives including retrofitting toilets, urinals, hand basins and showers with water efficient devices; using recycled water for irrigation of ovals and campus grounds; installing water meters to monitor water consumption and identify leaks; and installing two 110,000 litre rainwater tanks as part of a new building being constructed at St Lucia.

The University's "Green Office" Program has similarly contributed to significant energy cutbacks, with the adoption of eco-friendly practices throughout UQ's offices and affiliated businesses.

Results include estimated energy savings of over 91,000 kilowatts per year, a 44 percent reduction in the amount of recyclable material going to landfill, and an increase in the purchase of environmentally preferred products.

Mr Hobbs said the purchase of GreenPower, together with the many green initiatives and improvements implemented across a range of areas, had made for some solid environmental foundations at UQ.

Media: For further information contact Lucy Manderson at UQ Communications (07 3365 2339 or l.manderson@uq.edu.au) or Stewart Hobbs (07 3365 3205 or s.hobbs@pf.uq.edu.au).