Affordable and Clean Energy
Plan to Reduce Energy Consumption
The University of Newcastle has an established energy-efficiency plan within its Environmental Sustainability Plan, supported by continuous energy monitoring, targeted efficiency measures and building-performance improvements across its campuses.
The Environmental Sustainability Plan 2019-2025 provides the University's framework for managing energy and carbon, including governance, renewable-energy procurement and measures to improve the efficiency of campus operations.
How the University reduces energy consumption
Continuous monitoring of energy consumption by building, campus and energy source helps identify the facilities with the greatest opportunities for efficiency improvements.
The University's energy monitoring and waste-identification program uses real-time and historical data to guide targeted efficiency upgrades, system optimisation and behavioural initiatives. In 2024, total energy consumption decreased by 1.5% to 180,478 GJ compared with 2023.
Since January 2020, the University's Newcastle and Central Coast campuses have used 100% renewable electricity. While this primarily reduces the carbon intensity of electricity use, it forms part of the wider energy and carbon strategy alongside measures aimed at reducing consumption.
Improving the efficiency of existing buildings
Refurbishment and retrofit projects are guided by the University's Environmentally Sustainable Design tools so that energy-efficiency measures are considered when existing buildings are upgraded. The University's refurbishment program aims for a five-star Green Star or equivalent outcome across University-wide refurbishment projects.
On-site solar generation also supports the University's energy strategy. In 2025, campus solar systems generated approximately 1.47 million kWh of electricity, equivalent to around 4% of total electricity use.
The 2025 Annual Report also records that the University maintained a 100% renewable electricity supply through a new five-year Power Purchase Agreement with Snowy Energy.
Energy governance includes a dedicated Energy Management Project Board overseeing the development and implementation of the Energy and Carbon Management Strategy. This work includes investigating energy self-generation, battery storage, interaction with the electricity grid and strategic relationships with energy retailers.
Together, monitoring, targeted efficiency improvements, building upgrades, on-site generation and energy governance provide a practical framework for reducing energy demand and improving the efficiency of University operations.
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.