Media release - 23 September
2009 - The Australian
National University (ANU) will receive $1
million in Rudd Government funding to transform
its iconic Canberra campus into a sustainable
green hub.
Environment Minister
Peter Garrett said the funding would help
the University implement its Education Precincts
for the Future project.
“The funding will allow
the ANU to install photovoltaic solar panels
and trial a solar split air conditioning
system – a technological innovation developed
by ANU researchers,” Minister Garrett said.
“The University will
also increase the use of carbon neutral
transport on campus and upgrade facilities
to assist long-distance bicycle commuters.”
Member for Fraser Bob
McMullan said: “Through these energy saving
measures, the University expects to save
1,529 tonnes of carbon emissions a year
– the equivalent of taking 436 cars off
the road.
“The University will
also coordinate green events including festivals,
debates, seminars, training and targeted
workshops encouraging attendees to become
change advocates.”
Senator Wong said the
funding would help the ANU introduce water
saving initiatives to significantly reduce
the University’s use of potable water, saving
more than 44 megalitres of drinking water
a year.
“The University will
introduce a stormwater harvesting system
for landscape irrigation, as well as converting
one public sports oval to synthetic turf
to save water,” Senator Wong said.
Senator Wong said the
project would use the ANU campus as a demonstration
classroom to highlight climate change solutions
and encourage community motivation and mobilisation.
“As we work to tackle
the effects of climate change and drought,
projects like this will be increasingly
important as examples of how organisations
can alter their practices to reduce water
and energy use,” Senator Wong said.
The Education Precincts
for the Future project is one of 13 projects
supported by the Rudd Government’s Green
Precincts Fund, an initiative to prepare
Australia for a future with less water and
to encourage local communities to better
manage their water and energy use.
