Energy efficiency
We’re upgrading infrastructure to reduce our energy consumption, decrease our emissions and electricity costs.
Explore our current projects
BMS Optimisation
Our team of engineers are using the La Trobe Energy AI Platform (LEAP) to optimise our Building Management System (BMS) for improved air-conditioning, electricity, and gas efficiency. Phase one, covering buildings across Bundoora, Bendigo, and Albury-Wodonga, will be completed in mid-2025.
Domestic Hot Water replacement
As part of our electrification commitment, we’re replacing outdated gas and inefficient electric hot water systems with high-efficiency electric water heaters across our Bundoora and Bendigo campuses in 2025.
Explore our completed projects
Fume cupboard upgrade
We upgraded the fume cupboards in our LIMS1 and LIMS2 buildings with energy-efficient technology, including variable speed drives and auto sash technology. Completed in March 2025, these enhancements reduce power consumption in our busy laboratories.
External LED lighting upgrade
In 2024, we upgraded external lights at our pedestrian paths to energy-efficient LEDs. This project reduces energy consumption by over 50% and CO2 emissions by 51 tonnes, equivalent to removing 11 cars from the road for a year, while also enhancing safety with improved lighting quality.
Carpark LED lighting upgrade
Energy efficient LED lights were installed in carparks across our Bundoora Campus, reducing energy consumption by over 50%, lowering emissions and electricity costs. The upgrade also enhances safety after dark while ensuring that local wildlife habitats, including the Nangak Tamboree Sanctuary, were not affected by the new lighting.
Internal LED lighting upgrade
We’ve installed over 40,000 energy-efficient LED lights across all campuses, reducing energy consumption, improving lighting quality and minimising waste. Stage one, completed in 2020, saw 24,000 lights installed, cutting power consumption by more than 50% in over 100 buildings. Stage two, finished in March 2022, replaced 19,000 lights in more than 40 buildings.
BS2 Mechanical upgrade
In June 2021, the Biological Sciences 2 (BS2) building at our Melbourne Campus became the University’s first mechanically optimised building. Energy efficiency upgrades included:
- Air handling unit upgrades
- Optimisation of the cooling system
- Pump upgrades for more efficient heating and cooling
- Installation of sensors to control lighting and reduce energy use.
Using the La Trobe Energy AI Platform (LEAP) to measure improvements, we surpassed our CO2 reduction targets by 30%. This upgrade was supported by the Victorian Government’s Business Recovery Energy Efficiency Fund Capital Works stream.
Chiller Upgrade Program
As part of La Trobe’s electrification program, a high-efficiency electric chiller was installed in ED1, replacing inefficient gas infrastructure.