Abstract
The Australian Technology Network of Universities (the ATN) is an alliance of five Australian universities, from each Mainland State, that collaborate on issues and concerns of shared interest. In February 2009, the ATN committed to reduce its aggregate greenhouse gas emissions to 25% below 2007 levels by 2020. This ambitious target was the culmination of more than a year of technical analysis and political negotiations. The target is supported by a comprehensive emission reduction strategy that prioritizes energy-saving measures and adoption of low-carbon energy sources. This paper outlines the technical and strategic analysis used to decide on the target. In addition, the paper draws out insights from the negotiations between the five universities. The circumstances of each university differed with respect to the greenhouse intensity of the local electricity supply, projected growth, and the extent of previous action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The negotiations sought an equitable approach to address these differences, building on the principle of contraction and convergence. The ATN approach is a possible model for other university partnerships. Further, the political and technical challenges that emerged provide insights into the challenges that other universities need to overcome in responding to climate change.
Notes
- 1.
TEFMA has reported benchmark data comparing cost and performance of Australian Universities and TAFEs since the early 1980s. The survey began including GHG emissions in 2007.
- 2.
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol defines Scope 1 emissions as direct emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the organization (e.g. emissions from natural gas consumed on-site). Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions resulting from electricity use. Scope 3 emissions are other indirect emissions, for example from waste disposal, wastewater treatment, or employee travel.
- 3.
GreenPower is a renewable energy accreditation programme that allows customers to voluntarily pay extra on their electricity bills to support development of new renewable electricity sources. See www.greenpower.gov.au.
- 4.
Green Star is a comprehensive, national, voluntary environmental rating system that evaluates the environmental design and construction of buildings in Australia. The Green Star Education rating tool is specifically focused on schools and universities. Ratings of 4, 5 or 6 stars are possible under Green Star. See www.gbca.org.au.
References
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Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge the substantial contributions of all past and current members of the ATN Emission Reduction Working Group to the process of identifying appropriate greenhouse targets for the ATN. Particular thanks are also due to Jen Coulls at ATN for coordination of the Group.
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Riedy, C., Daly, J. (2010). Targeting a Low-Carbon University: A Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target for the Australian Technology Network of Universities. In: Leal Filho, W. (eds) Universities and Climate Change. Climate Change Management. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-10751-1_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-10751-1_12
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