Green Precincts Fund - Charleston Road Campus Redevelopment
Water for the Future – Fact sheet
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, August 2009
PDF file
Recipient: Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE, Bendigo, Victoria
Funding: $724,289
Solar panels generating electricity
Image credit: Silver Sun Pictures & DEWHA
The Australian Government has granted funding to the Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE in Bendigo, Victoria for their Charleston Road Campus Redevelopment project.
The project will integrate energy and water efficiency measures, showcasing a model of best-practice in sustainability for the region.
The Charleston Road Campus Redevelopment project is one of a number of high-profile demonstration projects to be undertaken with funding from the Green Precincts Fund.
Key initiatives of the Charleston Road Campus Redevelopment project include:
- a geothermal heating and cooling system for two new buildings, the first of its kind in the area
- installing photovoltaic panels to generate 12,000 kWh of electricity a year
- installing sophisticated light controls, solar lighting and solar hot water
- installing 300,000 litre storage tanks to collect rainwater for irrigation and horticulture
- connecting to the existing Coliban recycled water stream to supply recycled water for toilets and other non-potable water needs
- installation of water and energy efficient fittings
- incorporating passive design elements such as insulation and double glazing to minimise the new buildings' heat losses and gains, and
- incorporating clerestory and other windows in the design of common areas and classrooms to maximise the use of natural daylight.
Installing the geothermal system will create a local knowledge base in its design, construction and operation, and will help other regional projects set up similar systems.
As a tertiary educational facility, the project will educate and engage students in the design and installation of water and energy efficiency technologies, enabling graduates to take this knowledge and experience to future projects. The educational facilities will help drive a cultural change regarding sustainability and responsible living.
Annual savings
Water: 1.7ML Energy: 429,928 kWh CO2 emissions: 524 tonnes
ML = Megalitres kWh = kilowatt hours
The project will reach more than 200,000 people by engaging the larger regional city of Bendigo, other campuses and tertiary institutions. The TAFE will coordinate a range of educational forums, industry engagement events and open days to involve local businesses and the community.
The Green Precincts Fund is an Australian Government initiative to prepare Australia for a future with less water and to encourage local communities to better manage their water and energy use for current and future generations.
More Information
- Water for the Future www.environment.gov.au/water
- Green Precincts Fund www.environment.gov.au/water/policy-programs/green-precincts
- Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE www.britafe.vic.edu.au
For further information on the Green Precincts Fund email greenprecincts@environment.gov.au or call 1800 218 478.
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