911±¬ÁÏÍø

Beginning in 2012, the University has rolled out its ‘Kick ya Bin’ recycling program to all university campuses and sites. Starting with a 7% landfill diversion rate in 2009, the University invested in source separation systems, new signage and building-specific information for staff and students. The rollout involved staff ‘kicking’ their under-desk bin in place of centralised recycling facilities. This program was completed over several years and has led to a 51% landfill diversion rate in 2024.Ìý

In 2012 the Vet School initiated a new composting system for organic animal waste to reduce waste to landfill. The enclosed aerobic composting unit turns animal waste into fertilisers and landscape products. In 2024, this system supported the campus in composting over 36 tonnes of waste.Ìý

The University upgraded the mechanical and electrical building services in the Badger Laboratory in 2015 to improve energy efficiency and control strategies. This investment contributed to 1,578 GJ energy savings per year and provided new life to a 1950s building.Ìý

In 2015 and 2019 the University invested in LED lighting upgrades to improve the energy efficiency and light quality in campus buildings including the Hughes, Engineering South, Oliphant, Kenneth Wills and Helen Mayo North and South. These retrofits represent over 3,172 individual light replacements. Ìý

North Terrace Campus Rooftop SolarÌý

Since 2018, the University has installed roof top solar systems on a range of campus buildings totalling 264kW generating capacity. The largest system is a 99kW solar system installed on Barr Smith South.Ìý

Waite Campus Rooftop Solar

In 2019 and 2022 the Waite Campus had solar panels installed across five building rooftops creating 453kW of generating capacity. In 2024, these systems generated almost 12% of the campuses electricity needs.Ìý

Roseworthy Solar Farm

A 1.2MW solar farm and two large batteries provides the Campus with around 43% of its energy needs each year. The battery systems include both lithium-ion and vanadium chemistry to support the renewable energy system with a micro-grid controller. See further information about this large-scale sustainability project installed on campus in 2021.

In 2020, the Plant Genomics Building had two 22,500L rainwater tanks installed. The tanks act to collect rainwater for the irrigation of research crops near the building. This project was spearheaded by researchers in the building from the Wheat Research Hub to reduce reliance on potable water sources. ÌýÌý

In 2021, the university launched the Compostables on Campus campaign to tackle single-use plastics and increase recycling rates. Well ahead of State legislation, the University worked with campus retailers to switch to 100% compostable packaging for food and beverage items made on campus. The campaign saw a 59% increase in organic recycling across all campuses. The University won a Carbon Neutral 911±¬ÁÏÍø Award for this project.Ìý

In 2024 the University replaced several old LPG heating systems with electric heat pumps at the Custance Centre. This investment will reduce campus emissions by 26,756 kg/CO2e and deliver 576/GJ in energy savings each year. In addition to new heat pumps, the fourteen Custance Centre houses also received rooftop solar PV systems to reduce reliance on grid electricity. These new additions will reduce emissions by 32,256 kg/CO2e per year and save the University 115,200kwh/year.Ìý

Heat pumps and LED lighting were installed in the Plant Genomics building at the Waite campus in 2024 to improve the energy efficiency of the building. This project will reduce campus emissions by 54,624kg/CO2e, and save the University 195,085kWh each year.Ìý