How the University of Tasmania is cutting carbon at the source

In a state where electricity is already largely renewable, the University of Tasmania is reducing emissions by tackling embodied carbon across its new builds and refurbishment projects.

• UTAS targets embodied carbon cuts
• Achieved 30 per cent new build, 60 per cent refurbishment emissions reductions
• Find out more about Pendal’s Responsible Investing capabilities 

TASMANIA has among the lowest carbon emitting electricity grids in the world because it has access to renewable hydroelectric and wind generation.

That meant when the University of Tasmania looked for ways to decarbonise, the traditional path of focusing first on energy sources was not an option — in a renewable grid, as energy efficiency alone won’t significantly cut emissions.

Instead, the University has determined that the most impactful approach to decarbonisation is to reduce the embodied carbon in its buildings.

The University focused on adaptive reuse of existing buildings to avoid demolition and rebuilding, which is carbon intensive, and the adoption of low embodied carbon construction practices in refurbishments and new construction.

Their target is to have at a minimum a 20 per cent reduction in upfront carbon emissions for eligible green projects. To date, they have achieved over 30 per cent reduction in new construction and over 60 per cent in refurbishment and reuse projects.

The Regnan Credit Impact Trust and Pendal Sustainable Australian Fixed Interest Fund have invested in the University of Tasmania Green Bond 2032.

The proceeds from this Green Bond have been used to finance projects that meet specific green building eligibility criteria as set out in the Green Bond Framework[1], which seeks to reduce carbon emissions embedded in products and materials used in construction and refurbishment projects.

[1] Green Bond Framework UTAS

Source: University of Tasmania, Green Bond, Green Bond | Sustainability | University of Tasmania

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