- Published:
- Tuesday 19 October 2021
An $11 million investment from the Victorian Government will help Monash University reach net zero emissions by 2030 as Victoria works to halve its emissions by the end of the decade.
The Net Zero Initiative will support the university to eliminate its fossil fuel dependency by transitioning to 100 per cent renewables across its four campuses.
Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney and Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the project as part of the Government’s pledge to achieve net zero by 2050.
As part of the funding, Monash University will undergo a physical and digital transformation, including:
Powering heating and cooling systems with electricity at the Clayton campus Implementing new A.I. systems to increase energy efficiency at Clayton, Caulfield, Peninsula and Parkville Creating a new virtual learning platform to foster collaboration between the university and renewable energy sectors on commercially viable net zero solutions
Monash University already reduced its emissions by 40 per cent between 2015 and 2020 and currently sources 55 per cent of its energy from renewables.
This next phase will create about 100 jobs in energy efficiency and construction while reducing reliance on natural gas and maximising usage of renewable electricity across the campus.
The Net Zero Initiative is among the many proposals from universities to the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, developed in response to the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector.
The $350 million Fund is supporting universities with capital works, research infrastructure projects and applied research focused on boosting Victoria’s productivity and economy as the state recovers from the pandemic.
The Government has previously provided Monash University almost $500,000 to help deliver microgrids on Monash campuses.
Quote attributable to Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“We’re proud to invest in this project because it will help innovate Monash’s campuses plus create great research, learning and job opportunities for Victorians – it ticks all the boxes.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Renewable energy is at the heart of meeting our ambitious 2030 target of halving our emissions and Monash University is proving itself a leader in the field as it works to achieve a net zero future.”
Quote attributable to Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AC
“Monash is committed to making a positive impact through our education, research and operations - this funding will enable Monash to accelerate our Net Zero Initiative and increase productivity to deliver net zero emissions.”