Changing the way we are being powered
Using Solar Energy
Worldwide, the problem is concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are drastically increasing, which means global temperatures are rising and extreme weather events are more frequent which impacts us all.
Graduate House is aiming to Go Solar to address the problem, adopting a well established system that produces no pollution, has no environmental effects and is ecologically sustainable - using Solar Panels to generate energy at Graduate House.
HELP US BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION


The Australian continent has the highest solar radiation per square metre of any continent and consequently some of the best solar energy resource in the world.
Source: Geo Science Australia
What are we doing?
Going Solar is installing 88 Solar Photo Voltaic Units (solar panels) on the roof of Graduate House as a primary energy source for the building and our activities. Our aim is to contribute towards balancing our expanding global energy consumption with the need to reduce our carbon footprint.
“An average of six panels a minute are being installed in Australia", with over two million households enjoying the benefits of solar power.
Source: Clean Energy Council


Why are we Going Solar?

As a post graduate residential college hosting over 120 residents at any one time, a large amount of energy is consumed. The major portion of energy is used by the residents in the college, within individual rooms, kitchens and toilets, communal areas, library, hot water and other public spaces.

The average electricity consumption ranges from 725 kWh to 1521 kWh. Graduate Union is already in compliance with the environmental rules and regulations of Victorian and Commonwealth Government and has also adopted measures to save energy.

Installing 88 Solar Photovoltaic Units (PV) on the roof of the southern and central wings of Graduate House will help us control our energy usage and bills as it helps make energy domestic. They are durable and chances of service interruption are reduced.

It helps us reduce our carbon footprint and become more environmental friendly in line with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

It helps us take a step towards becoming an organisation relying on renewable energy resources for daily consumption and use by residents, staff and meeting guests.

Australia receives an average of 58 million PJ of solar radiation per year, approximately 10 000 times larger than its total energy consumption, which is only 0.1% of Australia's total primary energy consumption.
Source: Geo Science Australia
How did we get here?
The Graduate House is on a quest to make our residential colleges and buildings more sustainable and eco-friendly through our redevelopment campaign.
We work with our residents to improve the College and environment at large. Fatima Yaseen, one of our residents conducted an environmental audit on the Graduate House as part of her Environment Management course. By examining five aspects of the house, she provided a report highlighting recommendations and measures to help advance our sustainable practices. As part of measures already adopted to save energy, she noted that:
“A solar panel is used to heat up the water in the Stella Langford wing. Once the water is heated by the solar power, it goes to a reserve tank which keeps the water hot for the residents.”
Her recommendations regarding energy use are:
“Similar to Stella Langford, solar panels can be introduced for heating water. It would be cost efficient to introduce it in the old wing first as the number of bathrooms are less than that of the main building.”
Based on this proposal, Graduate House initiated research into this idea and is actively fundraising for this cause.
There is more than one solar panel installed per person in Australia.
Source: Clean Energy Council

Looking at the numbers
Photo Voltaic Units
Residential Rooms and other meeting and functions spaces to be powered at Graduate House
Individuals benefited at any one time
To purchase and install the panels.
The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody involved.
– Richard Rogers
Help us be a part of the solution that creates an ecologically sustainable environment.
By donating to this campaign, you are helping reduce carbon emission in the atmosphere, which ultimately helps manage climate change.
By giving to this fund today, you not only help meet the target required to facilitate the venture, 'Go Solar', you also help keep the fund in perpetuity. A small portion, 5% of your donation will be transferred to the endowment fund to meet its target, generate interest and keep the fund running in perpetuity. As The Graduate House expands, this endowment fund will provide resources for more solar panels or new ventures.
All donations over $2 to the Graduate House and the Graduate House ventures and projects are tax deductible.
Learn more about The Graduate House and browse through a list of our other crowdfunded projects.