ELECTRICITY

ENERGY EFFICIENCY IS ONE OF THE EASIEST WAYS BEACONHILLS CAN REDUCE ITS FOOTPRINT.

In 2022, we had the first year of full student attendance since 2019. The cost of electricity had risen in this period and there was an increase of electricity use for the shorter periods of time when staff and students were on campus. This extra use was due to air conditioners and heaters running with windows and doors open (for recommended airflow), and spread out room use, particularly in offices. Another impact of COVID-19 lockdowns was the increased electricity use in residential learning and working spaces across our community by heating homes and using lights, appliances and computers.

New buildings are all planned with sustainability in mind. Energy efficiency is one of the easiest ways Beaconhills can reduce its footprint. When appliances are installed, energy ratings are considered along with reliability. Automatic sliding doors, insulation and reduced open planning helps maintain the desired temperature.

SOLAR GENERATION (KWH)

In 2022, the connection on the 100kW system on the Berwick Campus technology building was repaired. This is now communicating the data more accurately, and has seen the data from Berwick rise 208kWh more in 2022 compared with 2021. There is a decrease in solar generation between July and October 2022 when compared with 2021 data. This can be explained by more overcast days that we experienced in those months due to the cycle of La Niña in 2022.

The La Niña cycle is also evident in the Pakenham 2022 solar generation when compared with 2021. Despite this variance, the total solar yield has been reasonably consistent since 2019.

Our solar powered system is currently 830kW across both campuses. Berwick Campus has a 500kW system. Pakenham Campus has a 330kW system which is expected to increase, with the new Years 7 and 8 building expected to be generating solar by the end of 2023.

ELECTRICITY USE (KWH)

The COVID-19 lockdowns greatly reduced our electricity use. As 2022 was the first year with full attendance since lockdowns, it is important to note that the electricity use is best compared between 2019 and 2022. We are aiming to reduce the grid use by looking into battery storage in the future, storing solar power on-site rather than feeding into the grid.

COLLEGE SAVINGS ($)

The College saved a total of $ 1.24 million if we continued to have the same costing as 2014.