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USC hits symbolic switch for environment
The University of the Sunshine Coast’s commitment to implementing and promoting best practice in sustainability will be reflected on Saturday night (26 March) for Earth Hour.
The rooftop USC sign will be included when all campus lights, except those needed for security, are switched off from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on 26 March.
It’s the third year the University has participated in the global event, which is designed to symbolise people’s support for action on climate change and environmental preservation.
USC Professor Tim Smith, director of its Sustainability Research Centre, said the aims of Earth Hour matched the University’s mission to boost sustainability and regional engagement.
“We’re proud of trying to walk the talk, not just through campus operations and capital projects but through emphasising sustainability in our research and teaching programs across faculties,” Professor Smith said.
“A lot of recent debate has been about maximising energy output to satisfy demand, such as exploring new technologies for energy supply, but this must be offset by reducing demand.
“Earth Hour is a great opportunity for everyone to reassess the amount of energy we’re consuming and to understand our consumption patterns, especially as costs increase. There are significant savings from simply turning off power points.”
USC is currently a core partner in the three-year South-East Queensland Climate Adaptation Research Initiative, linked to the CSIRO.
It is also working with Sunshine Coast businesses such as solar power provider Auzion on research to enhance the environment, technology and services sector locally.
USC students are enrolled in Sustainability courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. More than 20 PhD students are doing research in the field.
The whole campus has been retrofitted with energy-saving devices on light fittings. Power and water use is constantly monitored.
Building Management Systems are used to efficiently control services such as lighting and air conditioning in campus buildings.
The University conforms to the Government’s Water Efficiency Management Program, using the lake system for grounds irrigation and to top up water in the pool now under construction.
— Julie Gatehouse