Reducing energy consumption one lecture at a time

The operation of air-conditioning systems throughout teaching spaces on Charles Sturt campuses is automatically controlled via communication between our timetabling software and building management system. This system works wonderfully when spaces are only scheduled for use at the time times when they are occupied but is prone to energy wastage when sound room booking practices arenot maintained.

Throughout 2024, our timetable team have taken significant steps to reduce carbon emissions through sustainable timetabling practices. By optimising room usage, unscheduling activities with zero enrolments, and collaborating with various teams to cancel unnecessary bookings, the team have saved 1,504 hours of energy usage across six campuses.

This initiative is a crucial part of Charles Sturt’s Clean Energy Strategy endeavours, promoting energy efficiency, reducing the environmental footprint, and supporting broader sustainability goals. It is estimated this initiative has led to more than 30 megawatt hours of electricity being saved.