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In 2017, Monash University made a commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2030. Our award winning Net Zero Initiative aims to facilitate the transition to an energy-efficient, renewable energy-powered future by transforming and utilising campus assets to reduce our energy usage and carbon emissions.
Monash embarked on the following activities in 2022 to help realise net zero emissions at its Australian campuses:
- Continued implementing the energy efficiency program, with 50,000 LED lighting upgrades completed to date. Stage 2 of the Building Optimisation project continued in 2022.
- The thermal precinct electrification strategy is upgrading end-of-life gas-fired domestic hot water systems with high efficiency heat pump technology at the Clayton and Peninsula campuses.
- Australia’s first en-route offsite bus charging station was installed at the Clayton campus bus interchange.
While total energy use is returning to pre-COVID levels with the full reopening of campus operations, the efficiency of Monash spaces continues to improve. Energy intensity (GJ/m2) increased by 8 per cent from 2021 to 2022, however it is 21 per cent below the 2015 baseline.
Monash sources its renewable energy from rooftop solar photovoltaics across its four Australian campuses and off-site wind energy from the Murra Warra Wind Farm.
The University has steadily increased its reliance on renewable sources year on year. In 2022, renewable sources generated 62 per cent of the University’s electricity use and 31 per cent of total energy use (gas and electricity).
Monash is switching from gas to all-electric heating and hot water to reach the Net Zero 2030 target.
As part of its move to 100 per cent renewable energy, Monash is re-thinking the design of new buildings and retro-fitting old buildings to be state-of-the-art spaces for comfort and performance. All new buildings on our campuses are fully electric and fitted with rooftop solar, designed to Passive House principles to achieve low energy demands and high occupant comfort.