Wind power generation and applications

Carbon Emissions Reduction Target

The university's goal is to reduce carbon emissions according to a strategy that calls for improved environmental performance according to the best practices found in industry. The university's environmental management plan is designed to bring about reductions in carbon emissions either at or above annual targets and to effect real cultural change in the awareness of energy use and its by-products. Adrian Marshall showed a PowerPoint presentation that outlined the plan and progress made to date.

A graph shows greenhouse gas emissions from 2001 -- 2007. The amount of delivered energy (electricity) stayed relatively flat during the period, even dipping slightly in the years 2003 -- 2005 before increasing in both 2006 and 2007. Direct emissions were small and remained constant through the period. Increases in supply chain emissions remained relatively flat for the period, with a dramatic increase in 2007, when emissions of over three times the amounts shown in each of previous years were recorded. If an upward trend continues, it is more important than ever that the problem of carbon emissions be addressed.

A graph showing UniSA's sustainable water supply reveals that consumption has declined almost steadily since 2002. This illustrates the institution's commitment to conserving resources and their ability to manage a program dedicated to doing that. The slide entitled "Continuous Improvement (slide 7) shows how such a program might be implemented. The steps included -- policy, planning and implementation, monitor and measure, and review -- are depicted cyclicly, showing that the process is continually assessed and refined.

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In an energy audit across fourteen buildings and five campuses, targets were identified for carbon emissions reduction. The emissions inventory showed that eight percent of emissions could be attributed to fuel combustion and company-owned vehicles and were thus the result of direct use by UniSA. Ninety-two percent of the emissions were from indirect sources, including purchased electricity and products and contracted services. With this information, emissions reduction targets were set.

The goal for UniSA for the period 2007 -- 2012 is a six percent reduction in emissions. To support this goal, UniSA has a five-star Green Star design standard for all new buildings and a four-star Green Star designed standard for all refurbishments. Any vehicle emissions are offset through Greenfleet. By 2020, it is hoped that emissions will have been reduced by twenty-five percent of 2007 levels.

Five-star Green Star design buildings offer additional advantages along with helping to reduce carbon emissions. They are less expensive to operate and maintain, staying up-to-date longer and thereby reducing the need for future refurbishing. They may help retain employees as workers appreciate the value of working for an institution that has demonstrated a commitment to improving the environment. Employees who express greater satisfaction in the workplace are more productive.