News @ MQ
2008
Air Conditioning Trials
November, 2008
In an initiative to reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of Macquarie University, new set points for air-conditioning (comfort control systems) are being trialed across all University buildings.
Under the new initiative, comfort control systems will be triggered when building temperatures fall outside of the five degree temperature range of 20-25 C.
Comfort control systems are the most energy intensive activity on campus. The new scheme will see comfort control systems inactive when building temperatures fall within a 20-25 C range. Ambient temperatures in Sydney fall within this range for much of the year during regular working hours. This initiative will provide huge carbon dioxide emission reductions and better environmental outcomes for students and for staff.
These temperatures have been selected as the range which promotes the maximum energy reductions with the minimum interruption to business-as-usual. This determination has been made based on analysis of similar projects at other Australian and International campuses. Experts such as Macquarie University's Associate Professor Richard de Dear estimate that this can result in up to 30% of HVAC energy savings in summer and 15% in winter.
The University is aware that some level of adaptation may be required by staff and students as the change is implemented. Changing your behavior while working and studying to better manage your own comfort is one way that you can be involved in the reduction of your own and Macquarie University's carbon footprint.
Here are some suggestions to help you adjust:
- Wear layers of clothing so that you can adjust to changing temperatures;
- Always bring a jumper, jacket or jersey with you - or store one in your desk or office if you have that option - particularly in cooler weather.
- If you have access to adjustable windows, consider opening or closing windows to regulate air flow. It will not be possible in all circumstances to open windows in air conditioned buildings. Please check with the Office of Facilities Management;
- Close blinds or curtains to reduce glare and heat on warmer days and to insulate during colder days;
- Be patient, our bodies adapt well to changes to ambient temperatures when given a little time; and
- Be proud that you are reducing the impact of yourself and your work and your study activities on the environment!
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us: sustainability@mq.edu.au
Turn Off Turn Green campaign is underway
September, 2008
As part of our energy saving campaign on campus, stickers and posters are being placed around offices, learning and teaching spaces. We hope the Macquarie community will join us, in turning off lights and office equipment when they are not in use, or not needed. The rollout of the stickers and posters, designed by Macquarie student Jenny Tan, are well underway - expect to see them in your office very soon!
Mobile Phone and Battery Recycling Stations now in operation
September, 2008
Anyone who wishes to dispose of unwanted mobile phones and accessories can now do so in the Mobile Muster recycling boxes located at Level 2 of the library and also at The Spot located in the U@MQ building.
E-Waste Disposal Day
September, 2008
There will be an E Waste Disposal Day, for Macquarie University owned equipment only, on Thursday 25 September 2008 from 9.30am-3.30pm in Building E6A, level 0.
United States Green Building Council fund secured by Macquarie staff member.
September, 2008
Associate Professor Richard de Dear from the Department of Physical Geography has been successful in securing funding from the United States Green Building Council for his research into control algorithms for mixed-mode buildings - similar to that incorporated into building E4A. A/Prof de Dear is part of a small consortium of international experts who were awarded the grant to continue to look at ways to make buildings more sustainable. To view the official press release click here. The highlighted project is the one Richard is involved in.
MQ now has access to Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's online resource centre.
September, 2008
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) was founded in 2006 with a mission to promote sustainability in all sectors of higher education - from governance and operations to curriculum and outreach - through education, communication, research and professional development. Businesses, NGO's, and government agencies partner with AASHE to access their current resources and to create new resources.
Everyone at MQ now has access to the AASHE online resource centre!
As AASHE members, we have access to an array of online resources and numerous opportunities for networking, information sharing, collaboration, and professional development.
To log in you can do the following:
- From our home page click on "member login" or follow this link http://www.aashe.org/members/memberlogin.php Click "create new account."
- Use your campus email address as your username (i.e. myname@students.mq.edu.au).
- You will receive a password in the inbox of the email account you used for the username. Go back to the login page, enter your email in the username box and type or paste the password that was emailed to you in the password box. That should give you access to all of our locked resources.
- All faculty, staff and students on your campus can use their own institutional email to create login credentials for themselves.
Please email membership@aashe.org if you have difficulty with this process or if you have any other questions about AASHE membership. An AASHE staff person will be more than happy to help you. I hope you take advantage of these membership benefits from AASHE.
Focus Shifts To A Green-Collar Future
July, 2008
Sustainability is high on the agenda as universities adapt to the challenges of climate change. Sourced from Australian Financial Review.
Leanne Denby on MQTV
July, 2008
David Myton talks with Leanne Denby, head of Macquarie University, sustainability office, about how the uni is working to be greener. Click on the title to hear the MP3.
Sustainability@MQ Wiki launch
March, 2008
Sustainability@MQ is proud to launch it's new inter-university communication platform. The wiki has been designed for students and staff, allowing them to engage in discussion and friendly debate on topics regarding sustainability, as well as having the oppurtunity to share their own ideas, opinions and strategies.
2007
Learning to be Sustainable
December, 2007
Working hand-in-hand with ARIES and the Graduate School of the Environment, the Sustainability Office has been gathering information on a wide range of issues across campus, including the consumption of water and energy on campus, use of transport, and the integration of sustainability components into all of the University's courses.
MQ Scholarship Reform
September, 2007
Macquarie University's VC, Steven Schwarz, announces major reforms to MQ's scholarship program via email message to campus staff and students.
The new library
July, 2007 - Public Relations and Marketing Unit
A new campus library, the likes of which has never been seen before in the Australian higher education sector, will be built at Macquarie University by 2010.
Healthy Campus Program
June 29, 2007 - Public Relations and Marketing Unit
At the official opening of the new Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre earlier this year, Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Schwartz unveiled the Healthy People, Healthy Campus Program which will enable staff, students and members of the local community to lead healthier and more productive lives and achieve a better work/life balance.
The great recycler - planet Earth
June 8, 2007 - Public Relations and Marketing Unit
In the current edition of leading science journal Nature, an international team of researchers publishes proof that the Earth recycles portions of its own crust, driving it deep down into the mantle of the planet and then bringing it back to the surface billions of years later.
Macquarie's leading activitists
May / June 2007 - Macquarie University News
Two Macquarie University scientists have been in demand on opposite sides of the country in recent months due to community health concerns about lead levels in the environment.
Your electrical appliances could be poisoning you
April 2007 - Macquarie University News
Your petrol might be unleaded, but what about your mobile phone, your toaster and your fridge? An increasing number of countries around the world are bringing in new regulations to reduce toxic substances used in electrical and electronic gear and to keep them out of landfill - but our own Government is sitting on its hands.
Tagging Nemo
April 2007 - Macquarie University News
Using tiny transmitters attached to sea creatures and receivers dotted along the ocean floor, Australian scientists will soon be able to track the movements of our marine life and also gather vital information on climate change effects such as rising ocean temperatures.
Macquarie University supports Earth Hour
April 2, 2007 - Public Relations and Marketing Unit
Macquarie University has pledged its support to the World Wildlife Federation's Earth Hour Saturday, 31 March 2007, from 7.30 till 8.30pm.