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Monash is committed to achieving net zero emissions across its Australian campuses. During 2023, activities undertaken by the University to help realise its Net Zero commitments included:
- 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
- installation of new electric vehicle charging spaces across the Clayton, Caulfield and Peninsula campuses
- conversion of more of the University vehicle fleet to fully electric or hybrid vehicles, and
- the delivery of a masterclass, ‘Realising Net Zero Buildings’, with the Green Building Council of Australia.
Further relevant SDGs:
Building improvements and the roll out of energy efficiency programs such as LED lighting upgrades have helped Monash to improve the efficiency of its campus spaces and further reduce energy use. Total energy use for 2023 was 1.4 per cent lower than 2022. Energy intensity (GJ/m2) has also reduced 2.6 per cent from 2022 to 2023 and is now 21.7 per cent below the 2015 baseline.
Further relevant SDGs:
Monash is increasing its use of renewable energy to power its campuses every year. In 2023, solar and wind energy generated 67 per cent of Monash University’s electricity use (compared to 62 per cent in 2022). Renewable energy is sourced from rooftop solar photovoltaics across the four Australian campuses, as well as off-site wind energy from the Murra Warra Wind Farm.
Natural gas still accounts for 49 per cent of total energy use on Monash campuses. To achieve Net Zero, the University is working to replace its legacy gas-fired hot water and heating systems with all-electric heat pump technology.
Further relevant SDGs: