Media Release
May 23 2006
UniSA launches new flagship institute for sustainability research
Creating integrated eco-sensitive solutions for sustainable urban and
rural environments will be the focus of a new institute that’s set to be
the powerhouse for the University of South Australia’s research
capabilities in the areas of built environment and sustainable
development.
The Institute for Sustainable
Systems and Technologies, to be launched at 2 pm on Wednesday 24 May
2006 at the Mawson Lakes campus, will focus on research to develop
systems and technologies that optimise the use of natural resources,
minimise waste, emissions and other environmental consequences, and
reduce costs.
With escalating energy costs and the increased impact of climate change,
Director of the Institute,
Professor Wasim Saman, says there is a strong feeling within the
community about the need to actively contribute to a sustainable
environment but many aren’t sure how to go about it.
“For a typical Adelaide home, about a third of energy consumption is for
heating and cooling, a third for hot water and the remainder for
lighting, refrigeration and other appliances,” Prof Saman explained.
“Currently available technologies can help to reduce the energy bills
for all three components and contribute to environmental savings,” he
said.
Researchers at the Institute are committed to sharing this important
knowledge and Prof Saman has a few suggestions for a number of ways to
make deep cuts into energy bills or even to have a zero energy home.
After providing good insulation and orientation, the most critical
elements are windows. Double glazed windows will cut heating and cooling
needs by a quarter and keep homes comfortable for many more days and
nights than single glazed windows.
Evaporative cooling reduces electricity costs for cooling by 70 to 80
per cent. The market also has six star reverse cycle air conditioners
that can reduce heating and cooling costs by more than 40 per cent, when
compared with two star models. While more expensive to buy, Prof Saman
estimates that they will save around $350 a year for a typical home. The
use of a roof integrated solar heating system developed by UniSA and
soon to be on the market will cut heating costs by half.
A serious reduction in energy use for hot water can be made by switching
to solar systems. The initial additional costs can be recouped within
two to three years, when compared with conventional systems and many
years of almost free hot water will follow.
Replacing six incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights
will save the household $360 a year in energy costs, and more savings
can be made by choosing high star-rated fridges, washing machines and
other household appliances.
“Living in an old house is no excuse for excess energy use as many of
the suggestions can be made to existing homes or when we need to replace
appliances,” Prof Saman said.
“By implementing all of the suggested changes, households could save
about 60 per cent on current energy bills and at the same time help in
reducing damage to the environment. After making these changes, the
energy required can be generated using solar panels. Our research
suggests that a typical Adelaide home can then become a net zero energy
home by installing 3-4kW peak solar panels.”
Members of the media are invited to the launch of UniSA’s Institute for
Sustainable Systems and Technologies, which will be followed by a
keynote presentation by Adelaide Thinker in Residence Professor Stephen
Schneider, and an opportunity to find out more about the technologies
being developed by the Institute.
Launch and keynote presentation details
When: Wednesday 24 May 2006 at 2:00pm
Where: University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes campus, room
MC1-02
Keynote presentation: by Prof Schneider Can we define, let
alone fix, ‘dangerous’ climate change?
Members of the media are invited to the launch and keynote presentation.
Car park permits can be secured by emailing Kim Gauci at kim.gauci@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
- Geraldine Hinter, office (08) 8302 0963 mobile 0417 861 832 email geraldine.hinter@unisa.edu.au