Our footprint

With global warming an alarming issue, it is important to be aware of our individual impact upon the sustainability of the environment. Everyday activities can contribute to carbon dioxide emissions including transportation, electricity, heating, cooling, recreational activities, and one way to calculate the total carbon dioxide contributions is to complete a carbon footprint calculator. You can also compare your postcode's carbon footprint to other areas within Australia.

USQ is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2020 and is implementing measures to conserve and enhance resources so that the needs of future generations are not compromised.

In line with Goal 9 of our Strategic Plan 2009-2013, USQ completed its first environmental audit across its operations to better understand its environmental impact. The majority of the University’s carbon footprint arises from electricity consumption comprising 89% of our overall footprint. In 2010 USQ’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions represented a 5% reduction against the 2009 baseline.

Initiatives being investigated by Campus Services under the Carbon Reduction Project are focussed primarily on demand reduction initiatives (retrofitting) ahead of renewable energy options (photovoltaic installation) and low GHG emissions technology (Tri-generation).

USQ emissions

 The University of Southern Queensland carbon footprint outlines the emissions associated with activities over which we have operational control as defined by the National Greenhouse & Energy Reporting (NGER) Act 2007. The data is collected and calculated according to the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination 2008, the National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Factors June 2009 workbook and the Australian Standard 14064.1-2006. Emissions factors have been used from the NGA factors workbook for the year reported. To be as comprehensive as possible all sources are included that can be accurately estimated at present. Data from previous years has been recalculated as more accurate date has become available.