UQ cuts carbon emissions with LEDs

As part of The University of Queensland’s (UQ) ongoing sustainability program, its Property and Facilities Division recently replaced all lighting in three car parks on the St Lucia campus with energy-efficient LEDs.

The energy savings have been considerable, with an 84% energy reduction equating to 750 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions saved every year. That’s the equivalent of running 100 average-sized homes and equals $100,000 in annual energy cost savings.

Property and Facilities Division Deputy Director Geoff Dennis noted that the upgrade “saves energy, reduces the university’s carbon footprint and lowers operating costs, both in terms of electricity consumption and future maintenance”, thanks to the LEDs’ long life span.

Property and Facilities Division Energy Manager Chris Collins added that the amenity for building users was another positive result from the project.

“The quality of the LED light provides a better service to car park users, yet at the same time light spill outside the building is reduced to the benefit of our neighbours,” he said.

“Security is increased because the excellent colour rendition of the LEDs enhances the performance of the buildings’ CCTV cameras.”

The project is the latest in the university’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact in the built environment. Dennis noted, “While we’ve made it a priority to ensure all new buildings at UQ are designed to the highest sustainability standards, we also recognise that energy-efficiency retrofits are critical to greening the university’s existing building stock.

“The success of this project across all indicators reinforces the case for future investment in energy-efficiency initiatives at the university,” he concluded