Daan leads the strategic direction of the University’s environmental sustainability agenda. He has negotiated, set and delivered priority actions and ambitious targets across renewable energy, carbon mitigation, water conservation, biodiversity, environmental sustainable design (ESD) for capital projects, and resource recovery (waste).
Daan has also led the development of the Environmental Sustainability Plan 2019 - 25 (ESP) including extensive stakeholder engagement to develop a plan with tangible outcomes, priority actions and ambitious performance targets. The plan was guided by the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals.
He is responsible for achieving 100% renewable electricity across the University. In 2020 we became the first University in Australia to move to a 100% renewable Energy Supply Agreement contract worth $48 million over 7 years. The university will purchase 40 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity per year (electricity consumed by 5000 average homes), at 10% cheaper than previous kWh rates which reduces the University's carbon footprint by 34,000 tonnes annually.
Responsible for delivering an increased investment in on-site renewable energy resulting in the University delivering a 1.8MW large scale roof top PV to the value of $4M in 2019 and 2020. Project will cover 25 buildings and/or locations. One of the largest installations of roof top PV solar installations in the University sector.
Daan leads the following projects;
- The University’s water conservation, and regulatory response, to recent and prolonged drought resulting in a 7% (or 20 million litre) potable water reduction, and excellent business relationships with external regulators.
- Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) Framework to embed ESD principals across capital works projects. Achieved the 2016 UON Staff Award for Excellence for this project.
- Waste management program increasing landfill diversion rate from 25% (2015) to 60% (2018) - including innovative soft plastics recycling program (300,000 pieces recycled into products).
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.