Greenhouse Gas Reduction Initiatives

Murdoch University is renowned for its environmental and sustainability focussed courses. In the last few

years the administration has taken measures to ensure that it is practising what it preaches by seeking to

minimise the ecological footprint of the organisation. One way that it is going about doing this is by

reducing the carbon emissions associated with its energy use.

In December 2008, Murdoch installed a 192 panel 26kW solar photo-voltaic array on the north facing roof

of the Murdoch campus main library. This was at an expense of 250,000 Australian dollars and made

Murdoch the largest private electricity generator in Western Australia. The system produced an average of

130 kilowatt hours per day. The university continued its commitment to reducing its carbon foot print by

installing an additional 171 panel 30kW system in December 2009. This more than doubled the generating

capacity to a total of 56kW, producing an average of 280 kilowatt hours per day, or enough to power 45

average Australian homes. It is expected that the combined system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions

by about 53 tonnes a year.

From a monetary point of view there were

more cost effective options available for

reducing Murdoch's greenhouse gas

emissions but the rationale behind

installing a photo-voltaic system was that

it would be a symbolic gesture to inspire

people entering the campus and would act

as an educational tool for staff and

students.

The upgrade to the system in 2009 has

also included an updated website that will

allow students, staff and members of the

community to log on and check in real

time how much energy the individual and

combined systems are producing. Data

from the newly installed monitoring

equipment for ambient and panel

temperature, wind speed and solar

radiation will also now be shown on the website. It is intended that the system will be utilised by students

in the university's Energy Studies programme. Murdoch's Environmental Programme Manager Caroline

Minton stated that “The website will be an excellent tool for all of our students because they will be able to

track the performance of each system with the variables and ambient conditions”.

Unfortunately, the 56kW system still only produces about 1% of the campus’ energy demand. The

university therefore decided to purchase 15% of its electricity as 'green power' from the state electricity

World Student Environment Summit 2010 – Assignment 1Prepared by Samuel Green and Sasha Claughton

Murdoch Environmental Programme Manager Ms Caroline Minton and Vice Chancellor John Yovich viewing the initial 26kW system.

provider. The 'green power' scheme allows consumers to purchase electricity from certified renewable

energy sources at a premium rate. It was intended that the percentage of 'green power' used by Murdoch

be raised to 16% this financial year but the service provider 'Synergy' is struggling to find the necessary

generating capacity to do so. This increased demand for Green energy may also provide opportunities for

increased green energy production locally, encouraging further growth in the local sustainable energy

sector.

Murdoch's decision to employ Environmental Programme Manager, Ms Caroline Minton has been

instrumental in the administration's ability to implement these forward thinking environmental initiatives.

Further emission reduction initiatives currently recently implemented by Murdoch include:

• A detailed analysis of the University’s carbon and greenhouse footprints

• Recycling 400 twin sets of fluorescent light fittings containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and

replacing them with safer and more energy-efficient lights.

• Development of software to better track and manage the University’s vehicle use and fuel

consumption

• The addition of three secure bicycle compounds and numerous new bike racks to encourage people

to cycle to campus.

• The drafting of a university energy policy focussed on achieving energy efficiency and greenhouse

gas reductions through comprehensive monitoring, annual reporting, green building design and

stakeholder education.

The recent initiatives by Murdoch demonstrate the organisation's renewed commitment to act as a

catalyst for positive social change and its desire to remain at the forefront of sustainable practice in the

tertiary education sector. Murdoch will continue to seek new and innovative ways to reduce its ecological

footprint, inspire its students and further the development of a sustainable global community.

Murdoch students and solar panels making the most of a sunny winter's day.