Wondering while Wandering

Hey there, everyone. Have you caught wind of the latest buzz from down under?  

La Trobe University is making some serious sustainability waves with its plan to build Victoria’s largest urban solar farm. That’s right, they’re not just soaking up the sun for a tan; they’re harnessing its power to create a greener tomorrow.

 

Picture this: a whopping 4,300 solar panels sprawled across 3.5 hectares of land. It’s like a solar panel party, and everyone’s invited! This isn’t just any old solar farm; it’s a 2.9-megawatt powerhouse paired with a 2.5-megawatt battery energy storage system. Together, they’re set to crank up the Bundoora campus’s solar generation to an impressive 5.8 megawatts.But wait, there’s more! This isn’t just about generating clean energy; it’s a full-on environmental fiesta. We’re talking about over 40,000 plants and 600 trees being planted, all sourced from the local La Trobe Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary. Its biodiversity goals on steroids!

 

And the cherry on top? This solar farm is fully funded by La Trobe using funds from a recently raised Green Bond. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is! The university is on a mission to hit Net Zero emissions by 2029, and this project is a giant leap in that direction.

So, what’s the takeaway? La Trobe University is not just talking the talk; they’re walking the walk towards a sustainable future. And they’re doing it with style,  proving that universities can be change leaders, not just in research but in action.

Construction kick-started in early 2024, so keep a track for updates as the things are moving very fast.  

Before (Oct 2023)

Now (Apr 12th 2024)

Until then, let’s give a round of applause to La Trobe for showing everyone how it’s done!