Charles Sturt University's (CSU) commitment to cutting energy and water usage and reducing waste, continues with nine new projects - designed to progress the institution’s sustainability targets - to be funded under CSU's inaugural Sustainability Grant.

 

"The University wants to reduce its energy consumption by 10 per cent and reduce its water use by 25 per cent by 2011. These initiatives, and many of them are very simple and low cost, will combine staff and student efforts for the environment to help us reach these targets," said Mr William Adlong, Manager of CSU's sustainability office, CSU Green, which was established late last year.

 

One of the projects at the School of Visual and Performing Arts' television studio in Wagga Wagga will see the existing light globes replaced with fluorescent 'cool lights', which use around 80 per cent less power and emit 90 per cent less heat. The benefits are twofold, firstly reducing electricity usage and improving the comfort of the studio in the summer months, whilst also educating students about the advantages of such lighting in modern studios.

 

An ambitious social marketing approach, using strategies identified in student focus groups, aims to promote energy saving across student residences on four campuses. A recent trial at Wagga Wagga resulted in up to 23% reduction in greenhouse gas production and up to 28% reduction in electricity use. It’s expected similar results will be attained across other CSU campuses.

 

A University-wide project will see the development of a waste management education program, including recycling bins and signage, in high waste-generating areas like the food outlets on each campus. This complements a successful organic waste recycling initiative already underway, which produces compost material that’s used on University lawns and gardens. It’s estimated the project will increase the recovery of PET materials by 40%.

 

“We’ve selected these projects on criteria such as their educational value and significance for cultural change amongst students and staff alike, as well as their contribution to reduced emissions and increased biodiversity” said Mr Adlong.

 

“Not only will these projects achieve benefits in their own right, they should encourage further actions both within and beyond the University.”