UNSW's electrification efforts earn sustainability spotlight

UNSW has won major awards for our innovative electrification project.

UNSW has received national recognition at the Tertiary Education Facilities Management Association (TEFMA) Awards and the Australian Renewable Heat Awards for our leadership in environmental sustainability and clean energy transition. The two prestigious awards highlight the University’s commitment to creating a cleaner, more resilient future.

At the 2025 TEFMA Clever Campus Awards, UNSW received the Innovation Award for delivering stage 1 of the Electrification Program. This project marks a major step toward fossil fuel-free campus operations and demonstrates scalable innovation in retrofitting complex environments. 

Completed in March 2025, the project replaced gas-powered systems with efficient electric alternatives across 13 buildings, including five residential colleges, a large commercial kitchen serving 450,000 meals annually, the John Niland Scientia building, the Paddington campus, David Phillips Field and a childcare centre, totalling 73,814 square metres of electrified building area. 

These upgrades are powered entirely by renewable electricity from onsite solar and UNSW’s Power Purchase Agreement with Sunraysia Solar Farm. Stage 1 of this program is expected to save 700 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, with projected gas savings of 155,000 gigajoules once the program is complete. 

UNSW also won the Outstanding Commercial Electrification Project Award at the Australian Renewable Heat Awards, which recognised the success of the University’s Electrification Program.
 

Both awards highlight the impact of UNSW’s Environmental Sustainability and Facilities Management teams, working in collaboration with colleagues across Estate Management and the wider University community. 

“Our team is proving that large universities can move quickly on electrification and sustainability. These awards highlight not just the outcomes, but the effort and collaboration behind them,” said Jose Bilbao, Senior Manager Energy and Utilities. 

Together, these awards recognise UNSW’s leadership in delivering measurable environmental outcomes and fostering a culture of shared sustainability.  

Main image:   Accepting the award on behalf of Jose Bilbao, from right to left: Mylene Turban, Environmental Sustainability Engagement Manager, Hayley Blease, Estate Management Communication and Engagement Coordinator and Jessica Newling, Safety Senior Manager.