Facilities Management Services Division
Deakin University
The green team conducted a 3 month study in the three Facilities Management
Division offices (Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds, Melbourne Campus at Burwood
and Warrnambool Campus).
Month 1: Measure energy consumption and production of general waste.
Month 2: Users educated on how to reduce, reuse and recycle. See Tips
and Facts (PDF file - 70kb) 
.
Month 3: Measure improvements in energy consumption and general waste production.
The following areas were targeted:
The results of the study showed notable impacts from the above targeted areas. The resultant savings in energy use and dollars (corresponding CO2 emissions), if projected across all of Deakin’s campuses would have a substantial impact on the University’s budget and environmental footprint.
Perhaps the most sobering finding was that the measures introduced were simple, had little noticeable impact on Facilities Management operations and have been adopted in many other Universities.
During the study period an 11% saving was recorded. If extrapolated University wide, this has the potential to save $341,000 on the University's 2007 energy bill of $3.1 million, and significant increases in energy costs are anticipated from 2008.
During the study period the most notable savings identified were in the use of paper with a 24% saving on monthly paper costs. If extrapolated University wide, this has the potential to save $172.800pa and equate to saving 4320 trees/annum (7.5 acres).
During the study period our recycling program was expanded. This resulted in a 47% reduction of waste to landfill.
The initiatives undertaken within the Facilities Management Services Division pilot study represent initial opportunities that are available to institutions like Deakin University to save money and reduce their environmental impact.
This pilot study was one step on the long journey towards sustainability for Deakin.
