Energy and greenhouse conservation
As a large consumer of energy, La Trobe University recognises the necessity of practical energy management and efficiency. As the student population continues to grow, reduction of greenhouse gasses and minimising energy use becomes a growing concern.
Lowering energy consumption is an area where staff and students can make a positive difference every day. The 'How to Help' notes below will help you be proactive in reducing your energy use.
Greenhouse Challenge Plus
In 2005, La Trobe University made a formal agreement with the Australian government to take part in the environmental initiative Greenhouse Challenge Plus. Greenhouse Challenge Plus is designed to help businesses improve energy efficiency, reduce waste and cut down greenhouse emissions. The University aims to decrease its environmental footprint by reporting the University's annual emissions and taking measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce waste.
For more information, visit the Greenhouse Challenge Plus website.
Co-generation plant
The University's co-generation plant, commissioned in October 1993, was established to reduce energy costs, provide backup power in the event of grid failures and assist the environment by reducing greenhouse gasses. The plant generates both electricity and hot water by burning natural gas, which is significantly cleaner than coal or oil. The nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels emitted by the turbine are approximately 40% below the Victorian EPA requirements for gaseous emissions, thereby ensuring the University continues to play its part in greenhouse gas reductions.
Greenfleet
La Trobe University has been a member of the Greenfleet initiative since 2000. In that time, 13000 trees have been planted to offset the University's car fleet emissions. The trees have been planted at five locations including the Mt. Rothwell Earth Sanctuary in the You Yang Ranges and Moulamein Travelling Stock Route near Swan Hill.
These trees contribute a range of environmental benefits including providing habitat, reducing soil erosion, improving water flow and quality, tackling salinity and restoring the Australian landscape to its original state after years of land clearing and heavy grazing. Over the lifetime of the trees, they will sequester over 3400 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
For more information about the Greenfleet program, visit the Greenfleet website.
La Trobe University is currently in the process of downsizing from six to four cylinder cars to reduce fuel consumption and is looking to reduce the overall fleet size through car-sharing.
Lighting and ventilation
In 2004, the Hooper and Szental lecture theatres were retrofitted with new energy-efficient air conditioning/heating systems and motion sensors to turn off the lights in times of disuse. These installations save about 40,300 KWh of energy per annum, a reduction of 6,685 kg of carbon dioxide per annum.
The University is in the process of upgrading lights to low-energy T5 fluorescent tubes. These tubes are three to four times more efficient than conventional fluoros and also provide better illumination.
The ventilation control system that services the University is undergoing an upgrade which includes the introduction of an air-recirculation economy cycle. The following buildings already have this system in place: George Singer Building, Biological Sciences 2, Hooper and Szental lecture theatres, and the David Myers Buildin 6 January, 2009 er technology which uses 30% less energy than standard air conditioners. Currently many places scattered throughout the University use this technology and it will be implemented across the entire campus.
Tips for saving energy
- Turn your equipment off when it's not in use.
- Turn off lights if your office is going to be empty for longer than 45 minutes.
- Turn off your monitor if you won't be using the computer for longer than 15 minutes.
- Ensure everything is turned off at the end of the day.