Uni of Adelaide is first Carbon Neutral Adelaide partner

Tuesday, 8 November 2016

The University of Adelaide is the first major institution to sign up to Carbon Neutral Adelaide’s partnership program as part of a plan to showcase Adelaide’s low carbon credentials.

The pledge, which includes a $12 million investment in carbon emission reduction projects over five years, within an overall $14.5 million Campus Sustainability Plan, complements the plan to make Adelaide the world’s first carbon neutral city.

Launched today by Premier Jay Weatherill and Lord Mayor Martin Haese, the Carbon Neutral Adelaide Action Plan 2016 – 2021 encourages organisations and and individuals to pledge to reduce their carbon footprint. The plan aims to have one million square metres of city floor space committed to lower carbon emissions by 2020.

“The University of Adelaide seeks to lead by example through reducing its own impact on the environment and fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility,” says University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Warren Bebbington.

“As first major partner in the Carbon Neutral Adelaide initiative, our Campus Sustainability Plan will reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and continue to engage our staff and student community in sustainability.”

Last year, the State Government and Adelaide City Council together committed to the City of Adelaide reaching zero net emissions to become the world’s first carbon neutral city.

The Carbon Neutral Adelaide Action Plan 2016 – 2021 sets out the main ways emissions will be reduced, through improving the energy efficiency of city buildings and infrastructure; decarbonising transport and changing the way people travel to and in the city; increasing the use of renewable energy; and reducing emissions from waste and water.

Once cost effective carbon reduction opportunities have been exhausted, remaining emissions will be offset through accredited carbon offsets, with a program being developed to create and support the development of a carbon sequestration industry in South Australia, which will deliver additional economic and environmental benefits.

The Action Plan will be delivered through a partnership model, designed to build community commitment to emissions reduction and help all city users share practical ways to reduce emissions. Specialist partners will commit to early adoption of ideas or technology and lead behaviour change and share their experiences.

“Adelaide is full of dynamic, committed businesses, community groups and individuals who are working to improve sustainability and the Carbon Neutral Action Plan 2016 – 2021 will further build on our reputation as a world leader in climate change action,” says Premier Weatherill.

Lord Mayor Haese says: “The City of Adelaide has long been a leader in sustainability and the Carbon Neutral Adelaide Action Plan 2016-2021 is a firm commitment to see this taken to the next level. We look forward to working with partners to achieve a Carbon Neutral Adelaide together.”

For more information, visit www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/carbon-neutral-adelaide

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