RMIT leads the way on renewable energy

SKIP TO CONTENT
Search

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

Share

The Crowlands wind farm under construction during the first Melbourne Renewable Energy Project. Credit: Pacific Hydro DCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0820.JPG

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

Share

  • Sustainability
  • Announcements
  • Environment
Engage

Related News

Student's eco-friendly face mask impresses in global competition

An impending waste-crises from disposable masks has driven Arya Pawar to design a prototype next-generation face mask, which has been shortlisted in the global XPRIZE Next-Gen Mask challenge.

RMIT continues to excel in global rankings

RMIT has placed in the top 300 in the 2021 US News Best Global Universities rankings, consolidating the University’s reputation as one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions.

Fellowship supports research on a smart coating to fire-proof houses

RMIT’s Dr Kate Nguyen will advance her pioneering research into a sustainable coating for fire-proofing houses, thanks to a L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science fellowship.

Global partnership to deliver transnational crime police training

RMIT has partnered with the Australian Federal Police and the Vietnam Ministry of Public Security to introduce a new online pandemic preparedness course to combat transnational crime through COVID-19.

Show more
Subscribe to RMIT NewsSubscribe
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business. - Artwork created by Louisa Bloomer

More information