LA TROBE University’s Shepparton and Mildura campuses are the first in the state to officially achieve Net Zero targets.
A range of projects have been implemented across both campuses, including the installation of rooftop solar panels, energy efficient LED lights, mechanical system efficiency upgrades, and batteries to store solar energy.
University vice-chancellor, John Dewar AO, said he was proud of what they had been able to achieve in a short timeframe.
“We announced our ambitious plan less than three years ago, in August 2019, because not only was it the right thing to do, it also made good economic and environmental sense,” Professor Dewar said.
In 2021, La Trobe generated enough renewables across all campuses to power all regional campuses for the entire year. In Shepparton, solar panels alone supply 36 percent of the campus’ daytime energy use.
Greater Shepparton City Council mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe, said the achievement was a positive step for the region and worked to support the need for urgent climate action.
“Council are working consistently to help promote and improve the climate and sustainability of our region and it is fantastic to see organisations across the municipality understand this need for change to maintain a safe climate for all,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
La Trobe’s Shepparton and Mildura campuses received certification through Climate Active – Australia’s collective action. The campuses are the first Victorian ‘precincts’ to achieve certification.
The announcement comes as part of La Trobe’s $75M commitment to becoming carbon neutral across all its campuses, including Bundoora in Melbourne by 2029. All its regional campuses are expected to reach the milestone by the end of 2022, Shepparton and Mildura being months ahead of schedule.
