UQ cuts carbon emissions and makes big savings

A major energy efficiency project at The University of Queensland is saving two tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every day.

As part of the University’s ongoing sustainability program, UQ’s Property and Facilities Division recently replaced all lighting in three buildings on the St Lucia campus with energy efficiently LEDs.

The buildings are the two multi-storey carparks and Oval 6 Car Park 98C.

The change reduces energy consumption by 84 per cent, equating to $100,000 in annual energy costs.

The environmental savings are also considerable, with a reduction of 750 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually from the three buildings -- the equivalent of running 100 average sized homes.

Property and Facilities Division Deputy Director Mr Geoff Dennis said the upgrade ticked all the right boxes.

“It saves energy, reduces the University’s carbon footprint and lowers operating costs, both in terms of electricity consumption and future maintenance,” he said.

“LEDs (light-emitting diodes) have a much longer life span, so lighting maintenance will need to be performed less frequently.”

The Property and Facilities Division Energy Manager, Chris Collins said the amenity for building users was another positive result from the project.

“The quality of the LED light provides a better service to car park users, yet at the same time light spill outside the building is reduced to the benefit of our neighbours,” he said.

“Security is increased because the excellent colour rendition of the LEDs enhances the performance of the buildings’ CCTV cameras.”

The project is the latest in the University’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact in the built environment.

“While we’ve made it a priority to ensure all new buildings at UQ are designed to the highest sustainability standards, we also recognise that energy efficiency retrofits are critical to greening the University’s existing building stock,” Mr Dennis said.

“The success of this project across all indicators reinforces the case for future investment in energy efficiency initiatives at the University.”

Media: UQ Sustainability Coordinator Clair Keleher, (07) 3365 2076, c.keleher@pf.uq.edu.au or Energy Manager Chris Collins, chris.collins@uq.edu.au, (07) 3365 1935.