Carbon

We all use energy at home and at work, most of which is generated by burning coal. Coal is a non-renewable resource, expected to run out in the near future, which produces large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions that are released into the atmosphere.

Green Office Program - Energy

The UWS Green Office Program has been designed to green your office, reduce office waste and increase recycling. There are a number of ways you can help save on energy and green your office:

  • Turn off the lights when you leave your room – switch off and save
  • Use daylight instead of your office lights, where appropriate
  • Turn off your computers or laptop at the end of the day, including your monitor
  • Turn off any other equipment at the end of the day, such as phone chargers or research equipment
  • Hand wash your cups and dishes rather than using a dishwasher
  • Unplug your jug or microwave when you are not using it – did you know your microwave clock uses more energy than it does reheating your leftovers?
  • Dress appropriately for the weather – i.e. bring a jumper and scarf if it is cold out
  • Reduce single occupancy car trips – walk, cycle, catch public transport or use our video conferencing facilities on campus
  • GKJ Facility Services have a ‘Switch off’ Policy is to reduce the amount of energy consumption through the use of lighting whilst performing cleaning duties

UWS Energy Initiatives

Energy Efficiency Projects on Campus

UWS installs energy efficient devices in building upgrades when ever possible. This includes solar passive design elements as well as a move to more energy efficient devices. Find out more on Energy and Water Efficiency on campus.

SURF Project - Interactive Keypads To Save The Forests

The Sustainable UWS Rolling Fund (SURF) program funds sustainability projects that are developed, managed and implemented by UWS staff and students.

A SURF project was supported by the Office of Sustainability for the purchase of and trial of keypads for survey and data collection within the Educational Excellence and Equity Research Program. The idea behind the keypad technolgoy was to reduce paper use and energy used for printing. Please see the video clip below for more details.

Greening UWS IT Program

IT is integral to the business of UWS. With server rooms growing and electricity costs rising, IT management at UWS and how it is implemented has an important role to play in environmental sustainability. Read more Greening UWS IT Program (PDF, 68.98 KB) (opens in a new window).

UWS Connect Fitness

UWS Connect Fitness (opens in a new window) gyms are working at being sustainable while you are working towards getting fit. Read more about UWS Connect Fitness initiatives (PDF, 114.2 KB) (opens in a new window).

Energy projects at other universities and colleges

Energy SURF projects at other universities and colleges

  • Installation of heat recovery for kitchen hot water systems - for example see Griffith University (opens in a new window). These installations will reduce heat loss and heating costs.
  • The purchase/replacement of washing machines with more resource efficient front loaders - for example AASHE sample project which can have a significant impact on resource consumption in areas of high use (student laundries).
  • Installation of energy recovery ventilators on science building ventilation hoods - for example AASHE sample project
  • From French Fry Oil to Biodiesel Fuel - for example see New York University (opens in a new window) is funding research into this field involving the collection of cafeteria waste oils.

If your section of UWS is addressing any of these areas or have an idea for an energy saving SURF project, please let us know by emailing sustainability@uws.edu.au