UNSW's Electrification Program | UNSW Estate Management

UNSW Electrification Program

Powering a net zero future.

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UNSW’s Electrification Program is a major initiative driving the University’s goal to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The program is phasing out gas-powered systems across campuses and replacing them with clean, all-electric alternatives powered by renewable electricity.

The program is guided by UNSW’s Electrification Strategy, which aims to sustainably eliminate the University’s direct (Scope 1) greenhouse gas emissions through a phased approach built on three key pillars:

1. Electrify our campuses

Deliver clean electrification projects for existing assets based on lifecycle and economic opportunities.
Ensure all new buildings are full electric.
Install EV charging infrastructure.
Minimise the long-term use of carbon offsets.

2. Transition to low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) and PFA free refrigerants and fuels

Set low-GWP and PFA free standards for all new equipment.
Implement a phased plan to replace or retrofit high-GWP systems.
Use low-emission fuels for assets that cannot be electrified.
Work with HVAC manufacturers to drive broader industry change.

3. Increase the resilience of our campuses

Study battery storage solutions for critical infrastructure.
Maximise onsite solar PV generation to work in tandem with storage.
Reduce power outage risk and high-risk energy pricing exposure.

Jose Bilbao, Senior Manager of Energy and Utilities at UNSW, speaking to students at Colombo House using the heat pump-operated dryers and washers

New washers and dryers in use by students at Colombo House

Students preparing meals in Colombo House's shared kitchen

Heat pump supplying domestic hot water to the UNSW Colleges (student accommodation)

Mechanical and hydraulic switchboard on the roof of Colombo House

Colombo House hot water plant room

Behind the scenes in the Goldstein Hall Kitchen - serving campus residents daily

Cooking at scale with the bratt pan in the Goldstein Hall Kitchen

Head Chef, Eve Wannasorn preparing the electric fryer for lunchtime meal service

Eve Wannasorn, Head Chef serving Jose Bilbao fresh food from the Goldstein Hall Kitchen

Heat pumps located on top of Civil Engineering Building (C20) supplying electricity to John Niland Scientia Building (G19)

Heat pumps located on top of Civil Engineering Building (H20) supplying electricity to John Niland Scientia Building (G19)

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Stage 1 focused on key event venues, library, galleries, classrooms, offices, residential, childcare, sports and hospitality facilities at Kensington and Paddington campuses. Buildings now electrified include:

Key facilities at the Paddington Campus (reducing gas use by more than 95%)

Colombo House and all residential colleges (100% reduction)

Goldstein Hall Kitchen, which prepares over 1,300 meals daily (100% reduction)

Pooh Corner Childcare Centre (100% reduction)

David Phillips Field amenities (100% reduction)

Scientia Building (100% reduction)

These upgrades replaced gas-powered systems with:

34 heat pump-operated dryers and 34 washers

31 induction cooktops and 10 electric barbecues

New high-efficiency electric kitchen appliances such as fryers, pressurised bratt pans, and dishwashing systems

Six heat pumps, with a total heating capacity of 1.2 MW, to replace space heating boilers.

Eight domestic hot water heat pumps, with a total heating capacity of 400 kW, and 18 hot water tanks (total of more than 12,000 litres of hot water), replacing more than 20 instant hot water gas units.

New PV system in David Phillips Fields

These changes are powered entirely by renewable electricity, eliminating natural gas usage and significantly improving energy efficiency, performance, and indoor air quality.

Sustainable outcomes delivered in Stage 1

The Electrification Program isn’t only focused on transitioning UNSW’s campuses away from gas – it’s also about maximising environmental outcomes throughout the delivery of the works. Here’s how sustainability is built into every stage of the project.

Waste reduction and reuse

90% of construction waste from building upgrades was reused or recycled, meeting UNSW’s sustainability metrics for responsible construction.

Used kitchen equipment was resold and repurposed outside the University. Nine gas appliances from the Goldstein Hall Kitchen and one from the Scientia Building (G19).

Plant room equipment (e.g., pumps, pipework, and other ancillary components) were retained and reused if still in good condition.
The program is a strong example of cross functional collaboration, bringing together every UNSW Estate Management directorate to deliver more sustainable, future-ready infrastructure. It reflects UNSW’s leadership in sustainable campus development and commitment to bold, practical climate action.
Stage 2A is now in progress and will electrify five energy intense buildings, including research labs, teaching spaces, and office buildings. Once completed, this stage will bring the reduction in natural gas to 40%.

Stage 2B will follow, electrifying four additional buildings – focusing on medical research, teaching, and offices. By the end of this stage scheduled in 2028, the program will be 78% complete.

Stage 3 is scheduled for 2030 and will cover 14 buildings, including additional 14 buildings, including additional student accommodation, teaching, research, and mixed-use facilities – bringing the program to full completion.

You can learn more about the University’s broader sustainability initiatives and how we’re working toward a net zero future here:

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UNSW Strategy: Progress for All