Renewable power adopted by Macquarie Uni

A new contract will see Macquarie University powered by a 100% renewable source of energy into the future.

This follows a seven-year contract that the university has signed with Red Energy.

The move will see the North Ryde campus’s total greenhouse gas emissions cut by 92%, with electricity being sourced from Snowy Hydro from 1 July 2020. Under the contract, Macquarie will purchase approximately 54,422 MWh of clean energy per annum, saving the equivalent of 8500 households’ worth of emissions each year.

The renewable electricity agreement is the latest in Macquarie’s long-standing commitment to embedding sustainability across campus.

The largest project in the Campus Development Plan, the Central Courtyard precinct has been designed and will be constructed to target a 5.0 Star Green Star rating (considered to be Australian Excellence) under the Green Building Council of Australia’s internationally recognised sustainability rating system, and has been funded by an award-winning $250 million Sustainability Bond.

Initiatives to reduce waste have resulted in less than 5% of the total waste generated on campus going to landfill, as well as the use of recycled and sustainable materials in building works and the revitalisation of existing buildings to improve energy efficiency.

“Macquarie University is committed to reducing our environmental footprint and demonstrating leadership and innovation in sustainability within our vibrant, parkland campus,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton.

“With this new agreement with Red Energy we are proud to have far surpassed our aim of reducing emissions by 40% by 2030. It will also create new collaboration opportunities in sustainable energy research.

“This is alongside our commitment to sustainable building design, energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation and biodiversity management. We take our responsibility seriously to be a more sustainable university in all we do.”

Paul Broad, Managing Director of Snowy Hydro, which owns Red Energy, said: “On-demand hydro from the mighty Snowy Scheme will underpin our contracted wind and solar generation, meaning Red Energy can supply Macquarie University with reliable renewable energy.

“We’re also very pleased to announce a collaboration with the university which will allow students to work with our trading team on some research and energy forecasting projects, giving the students exposure to some of the most experienced energy experts in the industry.”