In 2024, Sustainable Facility Group (SFG) successfully delivered a landmark electrification project at the University of Melbourne's historic Dookie campus, transforming it into the University's first fully electric campus for operations. This project represented a crucial step in the University's journey towards carbon neutrality by 2025 and demonstrated SFG's expertise in delivering complex sustainability initiatives.
The University of Melbourne needed to replace all operational gas assets at the Dookie campus with electric alternatives, reduce campus gas consumption while maintaining operational efficiency, minimise disruption to teaching, research, and campus activities, ensure compliance with the Victorian Government's Gas Substitution Roadmap, support the University's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2025, and complete the project within tight timeframes during the academic year.
The Dookie campus, situated on 2,440 hectares between Shepparton and Benalla, serves as the University's agricultural research and teaching hub. Phase 1 of the campus electrification, implemented in 2023, was the first step in reducing gas consumption. This final phase would complete the campus's transition to all-electric operations.
SFG delivered a comprehensive end-to-end solution that included technical innovation through integration of smart building controls with existing systems, implementation of high-efficiency electric heat pumps, and custom solutions for specialised areas like laboratories and research facilities. The scope for the project was developed in collaboration with SFG, who undertook the initial audit of assets and provided the base scope for the business case development.
Project management excellence was demonstrated through detailed site-specific methodology for each building, comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy, robust safety and environmental management processes, and careful coordination with campus operations to minimise disruption.
Sustainable practices were implemented through prefabrication of components to reduce on-site waste, implementation of waste management and recycling strategies, focus on energy-efficient equipment selection, and integration with existing renewable energy systems.
The planning and design phase included comprehensive audit of existing gas assets, detailed design development with equipment suppliers, coordination with university stakeholders, and development of building-specific implementation plans.
Construction and installation involved staged implementation to minimise campus disruption, integration with existing building management systems, coordination of multiple trade disciplines, and regular stakeholder communications.
Commissioning and handover encompassed thorough testing and commissioning of all systems, detailed documentation and training for facilities staff, post-implementation performance monitoring, and ongoing support during the warranty period.
The project featured development of custom solutions for laboratory equipment including Bunsen burner alternatives, integration with campus booking systems for optimized HVAC operation, implementation of demand control based on weather forecasting, and coordination with on-site solar PV generation for optimal energy usage.
The project delivered significant benefits for the University including complete elimination of gas usage at the Dookie campus, reduced operational costs through more efficient electric systems, enhanced building control and monitoring capabilities, improved indoor environmental quality for occupants, significant contribution to the University's carbon reduction goals, and creation of a demonstration project for future campus electrification initiatives.
"The electrification of Dookie campus represents a significant milestone in our sustainability journey. SFG's expertise and collaborative approach were crucial in delivering this complex project while maintaining campus operations." – Ash Howden, Dookie Campus Manager, the University of Melbourne
The success of this project was underpinned by SFG's experienced team including Ben Costin as Project Manager, and Bailey Williams as Site Supervisor.
The successful delivery of the Dookie Campus Electrification Project has positioned SFG as a leader in campus electrification and sustainable building solutions. The project serves as a blueprint for future electrification initiatives in educational institutions and demonstrates SFG's capability to deliver complex sustainability projects while maintaining operational continuity.