RMIT leads the way on renewable energy

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RMIT leads the way on renewable energy

In partnership with the City of Melbourne, RMIT is using collective purchasing power to source electricity from a large-scale renewable energy project in Victoria.

Building on the success of the first Melbourne Renewable Energy Project (MREP), RMIT has taken the lead of a new customer group for MREP2 as part of its commitment to sustainability.

The first MREP supported the construction of a 39-turbine 80MW capacity wind farm at Crowlands, about 200km north-west of Melbourne, which now provides 25 per cent of the RMIT’s electricity.

For MREP2, RMIT has joined forces with six new partners who will use their combined purchasing power to source approximately 113GWh of renewable electricity annually from additional providers.

RMIT Chief Operating Officer Dionne Higgins said that as a major landholder in the Melbourne CBD, RMIT had an important role to play in driving progress towards a more sustainable future.

“We aim to be leaders and champions for impactful change in the communities we serve and beyond,” Higgins said.

“Our ongoing involvement in the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project is a reflection of our commitment to embedding energy efficiency and sustainability into our projects as we work towards a carbon neutral 2030 target.”

26 November 2019

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The Crowlands wind farm under construction during the first Melbourne Renewable Energy Project. Credit: Pacific Hydro

The group includes Deakin University, Cbus Property, ISPT Property, Fulton Hogan, Citywide Asphalt and Mondelez International and is overseen by the City of Melbourne.

City of Melbourne Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood said the project was a tangible example of climate change leadership.

“We’re showing how large energy users from diverse organisations can support the transition to a secure, low-carbon electricity system.”

RMIT has already pledged support Sustainability Victoria’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions for Victoria by 2050 as part of TAKE2, their climate change pledge program.

Currently, 18.3 per cent of Victoria’s electricity is derived from renewable energy.

Other efficiencies achieved by RMIT include:

  • A $128 million energy efficiency program across RMIT’s three Melbourne campuses achieved a 45% reduction in emissions against a 2007 baseline
  • The installation of more than 1,500 solar panels in the Carlton precinct increased RMIT’s on- site renewable energy generation to 600kW
  • The new windfarm at Crowlands Victoria now provides 25% of RMIT’s electricity

 

Story: Grace Taylor

26 November 2019

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