Director of Buildings and Grounds Bruce Flint and Vice-Principal (Adm...

UOW boosts its green credentials

The University of Wollongong has joined the top three ‘green power’ universities in Australia by increasing its purchase of renewable energy from 2% to 15%.

UOW previously bought only 2% renewable energy as required by the NSW Government, but in November the University officially moved to improve its environmental credentials by choosing to draw 15 per cent of its power needs from renewable energy sources.

“The University are paying above the normal electricity rate to purchase 15% wind turbine generated renewable energy,” Vice-Principal (Administration) Chris Grange said.

“We are prepared to meet this additional cost as we believe institutions such as universities should be leading the way in the use of renewable energies,” Mr Grange said.

Mr Grange said that UOW would now be one of the top three purchasers of green power for universities in Australia for 2008.

He said that this latest decision was part of an overall strategic move on behalf of the University to lift its environmental credentials.

Other environmental initiatives include the creation of the University Environmental Unit, a cultural shift to environmental sustainability, sustained water and energy reduction and improved waste management

For further information contact Mr Chris Grange on (02) 4221 3920.