With the adoption of clean, renewable electric power for all student accommodation sites, kitchens, childcare, sports and hospitality facilities at the Kensington and Paddington campuses, UNSW has taken one more step towards its net zero emissions goal.

By replacing outdated gas systems with renewable electric energy across all Sydney residential colleges, UNSW is leading the charge to electrify Australian universities. With this milestone, the University will prevent around 700 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, and is on-track to achieve net zero by 2050.

As part of the first phase of UNSW’s electrification program, gas-powered systems at all UNSW Sydney colleges have been replaced with:

34 heat pump-operated dryers and 34 washers
31 induction cooktops and 10 electric barbecues
New high-efficiency electric commercial kitchen appliances such as fryers, pressurised Bratt pans, and dishwashing systems
8 domestic hot water heat pumps, with a total heating capacity of 400 kW, and 18 hot water tanks

All electrical amenities are now powered by renewable solar energy, thanks to the University’s on-site solar system and the Sunraysia Solar Farm. UNSW is expected to save 1.25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over the 15-year term of agreement.

Better facilities, healthier environments

The kitchen at UNSW’s Goldstein Hall in Kensington serves more than 1,300 meals daily. Senior Manager of Energy and Utilities at UNSW, Jose Bilbao, says the now fully-electrified commercial kitchen had revolutionised operations.

“It has been absolutely rewarding seeing the kitchen before and after,” he says. “The fryers don't produce fumes when we're using them, so it's a lot healthier here, much better air quality, it’s cooler and we're using less energy.”

Looking ahead to net zero

The transition has set an example for the broader Australian industry, Chief Property Officer at UNSW, Timothy Beattie says. “This is an important investment for the University and the community. Once the program is completed, we'll save around 155,000 GJ of gas per year. That’s like removing more than 5,300 cars from the road.”

The University-wide electrification program is due for completion by 2030.

Image: Heat pumps installed at UNSW’s Randwick campus | Photo: UNSW Sydney

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