Living Labs at Deakin

These projects use the University campuses (including buildings, natural environments, and communities) as places to collaboratively develop, apply and learn about solutions for real world sustainability challenges.

Projects focus on three main outcomes:

1. Operations: Projects that progress Deakin’s Sustainability Aspirations
2. Teaching: Real world challenges at the core of coursework
3. Research: Opportunity to undertake action based research and test innovations

Project Opportunities

There are many opportunities for Living Lab project collaborations across the University, particularly those that help achieve Deakin’s Sustainability Aspirations.

For example, projects that reduce waste to landfill, improve energy and water efficiency, enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable transport.

Kinesis Sustainability Data

Deakin uses the Kinesis system to collect, record and track all of the university’s sustainability impacts. The system is accessible to all Deakin staff via this link.

Supported by the Kinesis system, the CADET building (Building KE) at the Waurn Ponds campus acts as a physical Living Lab for topics such as energy, water end engineering.

There are 48 meters currently in the CADET building measuring the real-time electricity, natural gas and water consumption of the building. This data is then presented on digital screens within the building, and can also be accessed by students and researchers via Kinesis for use in teaching, learning and research.

In addition, a new Research, Teaching and Visualisation Centre in the CADET building for the Renewable Energy Microgrid builds on the concept of Living Labs and will create a focus for research and teaching, and assist in showcasing the system for industry and community education.

For further information about the Living lab program, please contact us.