RMIT leads the way on renewable energy

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

Photo of Monica Kerwin, Natika Clayton, Robert Clayton, Shalarna Thorpe

Funding of $6 million to support RMIT research to measure First Nations digital inclusion

The announcement is part of the Australian Government’s plan to invest $68 million to narrow the digital gap by supporting more First Nations communities to access the internet.

news-underwater-teabag-collection-1220px.jpg

Warming temperatures may shrink wetland carbon sinks

A major global study using teabags as a measuring device shows warming temperatures may reduce the amount of carbon stored in wetlands.

Large group of researchers in orange hi-vis vests and hard hats, posing in front of wood-panelled building.

RMIT researchers help build climate-resilient housing in rural Bangladesh

Researchers from RMIT have partnered with the Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) in Bangladesh to build 40 sustainable and resilient housing solutions for vulnerable rural communities.

Photo of Dr Yassie Samie

Study calls for city fashion waste shakeup

With most donated clothes exported or thrown away, experts are calling for a shakeup of how we deal with the growing fashion waste issue.

Show more
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 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information