Energy Reduction and Savings

Monash University is a signatory to the Australian Greenhouse Office's Greenhouse Challenge Plus program that aims to reduce the volume of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.

MRS aims to achieve the 20% reduction target in electricity usage by 2010 through energy reduction plans, purchase of renewable energy, mechanical upgrades and changes in residential community attitudes.  MRS is part of the University Greenhouse challenge committee.

MRS Energy Reduction Initiatives

Deakin Hall Solar Panel

Monash Residential Services is always working to reduce its greenhouse emissions, some of our current initiatives include:

  • Installation of 2 hour push button timers with a preset thermostat to prevent excessive and wasteful use on some electric heaters in resident bedrooms across all sites. MRS is working to have all electric heaters at all sites on timers in the near future.
  • Baning of hot water to all MRS washing machines since 2003/2004. Residents of our sites are encouraged to use a cold power washing detergent to ensure the very best results with our cold water washers.
  • Solar Panels on the roof of Deakin Hall Common room generate 4 Kilowatts which produce approximately 13,140 Kilowatt hours per year.
  • 36% reduction of electricity usage at The South East Flats by converting the hot water systems from electricity to gas.
  • Bathroom fans in Deakin and Farrer Hall, and kitchen lights in Deakin Hall and Howitt Hall kitchens now connected to motion sensors.  Now they automatically turn off after 10 minutes instead of being on 24 hours.
  • All Monash Residential Services sites supply residents with portable clothes-airers to reduce the excessive use of electric dryers.
  • The Operations Office at Clayton Residential reduced the number of lights by 52 (disconnecting them).  This resulted in an annual savings of approximatly 11,000 Kilowatts or 0.5% of Clayton Residential's total power usage.

For more information, please click on any of the following links: