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Monash University is committed to achieving net zero emissions across its Australian campuses. Its strategy to do so is based on the following pillars:

  • extensive energy efficiency measures within existing buildings;
  • performance standards for new builds;
  • switching from gas to all-electric campuses;
  • deployment of renewable energy on- and off-site; and
  • engaging with industry partners and communities.

In 2023, Monash undertook the following activities to help realise its Net Zero commitments:

  • Completed the replacement of gas-fired heating with an all-electric centralised thermal plant (modular heat pumps) servicing five major buildings in the Clayton campus engineering precinct
  • Continued upgrading end-of-life gas-fired hot water systems with high-efficiency electric heat pump technology
  • Installed new electric vehicle charging spaces across the Clayton, Caulfield and Peninsula campuses
  • Converted more of the University vehicle fleet to fully electric or hybrid vehicles
  • Delivered a masterclass, Realising Net Zero Buildings, with the Green Building Council of Australia

Further relevant SDGs:

SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Monash continues to make significant progress to reaching its Net Zero target. Greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas (Scope 1) and electricity (Scope 2) totalled 42,988 tCO2e in 2023. This was 12.7 per cent lower than in 2022 and 57 per cent below the 2015 baseline.

The intensity of Monash carbon emissions (measured as kgCO2e per square metre) decreased by 13 per cent year on year. Emissions intensity is now less than one third the 2015 baseline.

Bar graph of 2023 emission

Further relevant SDGs:

SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy