Targeting carbon neutrality: Partnering for Success with the University of the Sunshine Coast

Delivering an innovative thermal battery solution to meet the campus' energy needs will save USC approximately $111 million in utility costs and prevent 100,000 tonnes of co2 emissions over the next 25 years.

 

Meet Andrew Darr, Veolia's Regional Energy Services Manager 
 

Andrew and his team is helping the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, reducing overall grid electricity usage by 40%*.

Delivering an innovative thermal battery solution to meet the campus' energy needs will save USC approximately $111 million in utility costs* and prevent 100,000 tonnes of co2 emissions over the next 25 years*.

 

The project will deliver a number of economic and sustainable benefits to the university, including:

  • Being the first plant in Australia to use renewables to charge a Thermal Battery;
  • Using campus lake water for the air conditioning cooling towers, saving 802 ML of potable water; and
  • Replacing old chillers and refrigerant gases with environmentally friendly HFO gases, removing the risk of significant carbon emissions leakage.

"There were so many different elements that came into the project; from water conservation, through to the energy production onsite, but then also energy conservation."

 

*Expected outcomes