Energy and emissions
Targets
- achieve net zero emissions by 2030 for our source 1 and 2 emissions
- source 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025 (completed 1 July 2022)
- generate 3 megawatts on-site renewable electricity by 2025
Initiatives
Learn about the how our 100% renewable electricity power partnership agreement works.
100% renewable electricity
The University has signed a five-year contract with Red Energy, backed by Snowy Hydro, to source 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources starting 1 July 2022. All of the University’s activities are now powered by solar energy.
As well as operations across campuses and University-run student accommodation, the contract will cover energy supply for Moore College, Sancta Sophia College, St Andrew’s College, St Paul's College, the Women's College and Wesley College. The positive impact will be in excess of removing 31,200 cars from the road.
Reaching this target 3 years ahead of schedule, this move brings the University a step closer to its target of net zero emissions by 2030.
The University of Sydney is now powered by 100 percent renewable electricity.
Rooftop solar
Rooftop solar systems are currently installed on 23 University buildings, generating more than 1 megawatt hours (1000 kilowatts) of solar energy per year. Increasing the amount of onsite renewable generation is a key goal for reducing our imported energy provision.
Smart solar benches
The installation of six Gelion Technology smart solar benches at the University’s Camperdown and Darlington campus is a living lab initiative designed to extend lighting zones without mains infrastructure.