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Energy and Greenhouse at ANU

The most significant impact of energy use on the environment is its contribution to the greenhouse effect. Another major environmental impact is air pollution. The University's main approach to addressing these impacts is to try and reduce the amount of energy consumed for the services we deliver. This is one area where staff and students can make a contribution every day — by thinking about how your daily routine uses energy, and trying to reduce energy use.

The University is also addressing greenhouse impacts directly by purchasing green power and participating in the Greenfleet program.

How you can help

• Use your building and heater effectively
  Use curtains and blinds effectively, and set your heater to provide a comfortable environment without using large amounts of energy.
• Enable energy-saving features of your computer
  Enable the energy-saving features of your computer, so that the screen blanks out and the hard disk goes into energy-saving mode when you're not actively using the computer.
• Switch off computer monitors
  When you're out of the office for more than 15 minutes, switch off your computer monitor.
• Switch off the office lights
  If you're leaving the office for over 30 minutes, or if your office is already well-lit by natural light, switch off the office lights.
• Switch it Off
  Poetry Poster

Energy stories from the ANU

Ian Ross Building

Design features of the Ian Ross Building make it one of the most energy-efficient buildings on campus, and a comfortable one too.

Low-flow showers save energy

Toad Hall installed water-saving valves in all showers and taps in 2002. Less hot water is used, so less energy is consumed to heat the water up.

LPG Vehicle Trial

An LPG vehicle trial in the Facilities and Services Division demonstrates the potential for environmental and financial benefits, but is undone by a poor retail market for LPG vehicles.

Greenfleet cuts greenhouse emissions

Greenfleet plants trees to offset the greenhouse emissions created by the University's fleet vehicles. The University has been a member of the Greenfleet program since 1999.

Energy Management Links

• Energy Savings & Safety Tips
  Tips on energy conservation in and around the home. From Energy Australia.
• ANZses
  The Australia and New Zealand solar energy society home page.
• The Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems
  Based at the ANU, CSES' research is centred in the areas of photovoltaics and solar concentrator systems.
• Global Warming, Cool It!
  A guide to reducing energy costs and greenhouse gases
• PC power saving wizard
  A small program ("wizard") which sets up power saving on PCs.
• The Australian Greenhouse Office
  With links to Australian government and industry activity, as well as tips to increase energy savings.
• Air Quality Index
  Links to relevant Environment Australia resources.
• Sustainable Energy Development Authority
  SEDA is an agency created by the New South Wales Government to reduce the level of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
• ACTEW
  The ACT's energy and water provider offers a range of educational, legal and statistical information relating to the environment.