Renewable energy delivers reductions in Charles Sturt’s carbon footprint

Charles Sturt’s primary focus for carbon reduction initiatives has been its comprehensive Clean Energy Strategy, which sets out a pathway for Charles Sturt to be resilient, efficient and ready for a low-carbon energy environment.

While this plan continued in 2023 to contribute to mitigating climate change by reducing its greenhouse gas energy emissions, Charles Sturt’s overall greenhouse gas emissions increased by 4,105 tonnes CO2-equivalent (17 per cent) compared to the prior year. This represents a 15,024 tonne CO2-equivalent (34 per cent) reduction compared to Charles Sturt’s base year reporting (2014).

Avoided emissions in 2023 resulted from:

• Renewable power purchase agreement (2022), continuing in 2023 (major sites).
• GreenPower purchases – 2023 (minor sites).
• Energy efficiency improvements and elimination of some natural gas-consuming appliances.
• Additional rooftop solar output and consumption.

Total emissions avoided in 2023 were 17,379 tonnes CO2-equivalent. These additional emissions avoided in 2023 were more than offset by an increase in business-related activities, primarily attributable to the categories of building construction and renovations, business travel, and capital equipment purchases (e.g. motor vehicles).

These non-energy-related Scope 3 emissions have increased by 28 per cent compared to 2022.

Charles Sturt purchases and retires carbon offsets equivalent to its organisational carbon footprint as part of its commitment as a certified carbon neutral organisation under the Australian Government Climate Active program.