An Australian university innovates an “out of the box” environmental sustainability system and cuts their overall electrical usage by 40%.

The system at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) began operation in September 2019. The unique sustainability system stores energy generated by 6,000 solar panels installed on buildings throughout campus rooftops. The environmental sustainability system is now delivering 2.1 megawatts of power.

This unique system connects roof-top solar panels to a 3-story “water battery” (thermal energy storage tank) to power the campus’ air conditioning. It is an innovative cooling system developed in partnership with resource management company Veolia Environnement S.A. (Veolia). Veolia is a French transnational company with activities in three main service and utility areas traditionally managed by public authorities – water management, waste management and energy services. The school is working towards their goal of being carbon neutral by 2025.

The project is expected to save more than $100 million in energy costs over the next 25 years. The video below provides additional information about the environmental, energy saving project at USC.