JCU best in state for energy efficiency
First published 15 June, 2012
James Cook University’s energy efficiency measures have been recognised as one of the best in the state.
The 2012 Premier’s Sustainability Awards have acknowledged JCU as an organisation which had been outstanding in improving its environmental sustainability with the Clean Energy Innovation Award.
The awards recognise achievements of Queensland schools, individuals, businesses and industries in reducing carbon emissions which are taking action to address climate change and improve business sustainability.
JCU’s Manager, Environment, Adam Connell, said JCU was delighted to win the Clean Energy Innovation Award.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition from the Queensland Government for our efforts in improving energy efficiency at JCU in recent years.”
Mr Connell said JCU’s energy management and efficiency program had reduced peak demand by 4.5MW equating to a 40 per cent reduction.
“We have seen a 25 per cent reduction in total energy use, annual savings of $2 million and a reduction in CO2 emissions of 10,600 tonnes per annum across the Townsville campus,” he said.
“Over the past five years the university’s infrastructure master plan has resulted in considerable greenhouse gas and energy savings.”
In 2007, JCU developed the Townsville Campus Infrastructure Master Plan, which includes the Central District Cooling system, a centrally controlled Building and Energy Management System and power factor correction. The implementation of these projects over the last five years have been the key drivers behind the big savings made by JCU.
JCU has spent more than $25 million in rolling out these projects across the campus, but it has avoided spending $25 million in upgrading the electricity supply network to the campus had these initiatives not been implemented.
“We have worked closely with Ergon Energy to avoid major upgrades to the electricity supply to the campus, providing huge cost savings to both organisations,” Mr Connell said.
Mr Connell said the system had reduced electrical demand on the network, with an estimated electrical operating cost savings of $2 million in 2011.
“This reduces operating costs and allows the University to use more of its resources on conducting its core business, benefitting the JCU community.”
Mr Connell said this relationship and the resulting studies had helped other businesses and industry understand how energy management at a large site could be carried out successfully.
Due to the success of the Townsville system, JCU is building a similar system at its Cairns Campus in 2012 to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding campus.
Photos of the award night are available.
For interviews/photos: Adam Connell , Manager, Environment, tel: (07) 4781 5060, or 0459 097 253
JCU Media contact: Caroline Kaurila (07) 4781 4586 or 0437 028 175