Reduction of greenhouse emissions from the Universtiy of South Australia - learning to educate with less
Date
2009
Authors
Martin, S.O.
Lewis, A.C.
Bruno, F.
Saman, W.Y.
Marshall, A.B.
Jones, T.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
29th ISES Biennial Solar World Congress 2009, 2009, vol.2, pp.1402-1411
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
29th ISES Biennial Solar World Congress 2009 (11 Oct 2009 - 14 Oct 2009 : Johannesburg, South Africa)
Abstract
The University of South Australia is investigating options to reduce its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The University has 5 campuses, 55 major buildings and a total ground floor area of approximately 230,000m <sup>2</sup>. An emissions inventory and energy audit were carried out in 2008 and it was determined that in 2007, the baseline for the study, the University used 26 GWh of electricity and the greenhouse gas scope 1 and 2 emissions were approximately 27,000 tonnes of CO<inf>2-e</inf>. A lighting audit and occupancy survey were carried out in 14 representative buildings across the five campuses. A survey was also conducted of computer use by staff and students and estimates made of the energy use of IT servers and networks, office and laboratory equipment and the HVAC load. Methods of saving up to 15% of scope 1 and 2 emissions were identified and costed with pay back times from 3 to 7 years. Potential energy savings of up to a further 15% of consumption were also identified. It is anticipated that if the University adopts these strategies it will be able to reduce its emissions by at least 15% over the next 5 years. Copyright © (2009) by the International Solar Energy Society.