Educational institutions pursue decarbonization through solar and heating upgrades

La Trobe University in Australia has implemented a $75 million, 10-year initiative to reach net zero emissions by 2029. A key component of this project is the development of Victoria’s largest urban solar farm at the Bundoora campus. The 3.5-hectare installation features 4,300 solar panels generating 2.9 MW of renewable energy, supported by a 2.5 MW/4.5 MWh battery energy storage system to enhance grid stability and reliability. In partnership with Schneider Electric, the university has modernized its aging infrastructure with SF₆-free switchgear to reduce environmental impact.

In the United Kingdom, schools are facing significant challenges in decarbonizing heating systems to meet net-zero goals. A report by Talan UK and Ireland, commissioned by Baxi, highlights that the education sector accounts for 37 percent of all public sector emissions, with heating and powering buildings contributing 27 percent. Currently, 87 percent of UK schools rely on gas as their primary heating source. Schools must navigate evolving policy frameworks, such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, while managing aging infrastructure and limited capital budgets.