CQU saves enough energy to power 95 Aussie homes annually

Through a number of sustainability initiatives' CQUniversity is saving enough energy to power the equivalent of 95 average Australian households annually.

The University - with a campus presence in every mainland state of Australia - has undergone significant sustainability measures to reduce energy consumption' including the replacement of thousands of internal and external light fittings to LEDs across its broad footprint which has resulted in more than 1.4 gigawatt hours (GWh) of saved electricity consumption annually.

"By changing a single outdoor street fitting' we're saving nearly 500 kilowatt hours (kWh) every year and we have changed more than 800 fittings in the last two years'" CQUniversity Director of Facilities Management Mr Ron Tollasepp said.

Every fitting saves almost half a million kWh per year' or to put it into perspective' enough to power 220 washing loads.

"Fighting climate change is a responsibility and an obligation for CQUniversity and we are committed to creating a culture of sustainability' in line with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals'" Mr Tollasepp said.

"Replacing old sodium vapour lamps and/or fluorescent tubes with more energy-efficient LEDs is a very easy yet effective energy-saving option. Every small positive change goes a long way in achieving our sustainability goals.

"We started the light replacement program back in 2018 and while it has been a staged approach' it's one that we have seen immediate results from.

"Just like this year's theme for Earth Day – no matter how great or small the change' together' we can restore our earth."

In addition to updating exterior lights' CQUniversity has also undertaken various projects across its campus footprint to replace indoor lights with the more energy-efficient LED types.

CQUniversity also works closely with its national waste contractor to monitor the performance of the University's waste habits.

"Our waste management program (recycling) has reduced from 700 tonnes to 500 tonnes across our national footprint' equating to a saving of $45'000 in annual landfill fees' not to mention the positive environmental impact."