Author: Nina

GSP – INES – Assessment of Toxic Chemicals in Industrial Sludge, Their Potential Impact on Ecosystem, and an Eco-friendly Remediation Method for Those Materials in Vietnam

Nina NEW

BACKGROUND:        

Industrialization in Vietnam has remarkably increased the emission of toxic chemicals as part of the production processes. Untreated or poorly treated industrial waste could destroy the environment, e.g, the Formosa environmental disaster in 2016. Even when the industrial waste is treated in wastewater treatment plants, some of the chemicals such as heavy metals persist and deposit in the sludge.  If not handled carefully, the industrial sludge will be a source of pollution for soil (in case of land application) or water resource (in case of landfill disposal), which may cause a health risk for the population. In addition, the sludge is also a major environmental pressure for the landfill, because of their large volume. However, there is no study that systematically assess the level of toxic elements in industrial sludges and sustainable remediation methods for those materials in Vietnam.

A research team from School of Environmental Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (INES) and Hanoi University of Science, Vietnam National University (VNU-HUS) has proposed a project which aims to i) collect and measure the level of toxic elements (As, Hg, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn) in industrial sludge collected in different industrial zones in the North of Vietnam; ii) identify the possible sources of those elements; iii) assess the potential impact of applying those sludge to landfills in the surrounding regions; and iv) to assess the potential of industrial sludge elimination using eco-friendly methods.

Sludge samples will be collected using a standardized protocol to ensure the representativeness. The samples will be analyzed by sensitive ICP-MS method and other advanced equipment. The obtained data will be analyzed together with the survey information about the types of industries presence in the studied industrial zones to identify the possible sources for consideration. Next, we will apply the latest modelling approach to assess the potential impact of disposing the sludge to surrounding farmlands, including leaching potential and degrading soil quality. Finally, we will assess the potential of toxic metal elimination from sludge using biodegradable substances as the sustainable and friendly remediation method for those materials.

AIM:

INES and VNU-HUS wish to engage RMIT students in the following research activities:

•        Assessing the level of toxic heavy metals in industrial sludges in different industrial parks in the North of Vietnam

–        Monitoring the distribution of toxic heavy metals in industrial sludge in industrial areas. Sampling scheme will be designed to cover some areas in the North of Vietnam with a large number of samples and rapid analysis.

–        Establishing a database containing the spatial and seasonal distribution of toxic heavy metals in the industrial sludges in the studied areas and identify the sources of heavy metal contamination.

–        As, Hg, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations with particle size, pointing to anthropogenic/pyrogenic possible sources of these heavy metals in the sludge. Enrichment factors (EF) of heavy metals can be calculated also.

•        Assessing the potential impact of applying the sludge to landfill.

–        Evaluating the pollution situation in the industrial sludges in the North of Vietnam and comparing it with levels in different areas.

–        Evaluating the effects of the industrial sludge on soil chemical and microbial characteristics.

DELIVERABLES:

No. Main Deliverable Description Estimated Timing
1 Project Plan Students discuss with INES and academic supervisors about a detailed project plan. June 2020
2 Literature Review Students work under their academic supervisors and field supervisors (from INES) to review relevant literature. July 2020
4 Data Collection and Analysis in Vietnam Under the facilitation and supervision of the research team, students collect data samples and analyze data using the labs at INES and/or VNU-HUS August – September 2020
5 Draft report Draft Report October 2020
6 Final report Final Report End of October 2020
7 Presentation Presentation on research findings. End of October 2020

WORK METHOD:

  • Students will be selected from relevant programs at RMIT (i.e. environmental science and chemical engineering);
  • RMIT academic supervisors help students identify learning objectives at the start of the project, provide them with technical advice during the project implementation, and evaluate their work at the end of the project.
  • Students conduct the research in Vietnam: (i) desktop research based on published data; and (ii) experiment.
  • INES research team will appoint a supervisor (field supervisor) who helps students access to data and research facilities at INES and/or VNU-HUS..

FUNDING:

  • Australian undergraduate students may be eligible for NCP semester grants to cover all travel costs to Vietnam during the project time.
  • Postgraduate students may be still considered but will have to pay all the travel costs by themselves.

GSP – DTbH – Single Use Plastic Assessment at the DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne

Nina COMPLETED
GSP – DTbH – Single Use Plastic Assessment at the DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne

BACKGROUND:

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of seventeen global

Brands including the DoubleTree by Hilton. Hilton have made a commitment through the CSR program Travel With Purpose, to double their social impact and halve their environmental footprint globally by 2030, in-line with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Hilton uses its proprietary system LightStay, to measure, manage and report the environmental and social impact of every hotel in their global portfolio of more than 5,600 managed and franchised hotels. DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street (DTbHMFS) have implemented many large and small scale Travel With Purpose initiatives in the past few years and are consistently looking for new projects to work towards this goal.

DTbHMFS is located centrally in Melbourne on Flinders Street. It is a 187 room hotel with in-house restaurant that runs high occupancies throughout the year and therefore has a lot of energy use. Electricity costs are increasing year upon year and extreme weather situatioCopy to a new draftns are challenging a reliable reliance on the grid (there is no generator on the property). Additionally in-line with Hilton’s 2030 goals DTbHMFS is seeking ways to reduce its carbon footprint via reducing energy use and potentially utilising renewable energy to power some the hotel and offset emissions.

AIM:

The aim is to undertake a single-use plastic audit to understand how DTbHMFS can reduce the amount of waste, what cost savings might be made and what would the environmental impact be.

DELIVERABLES:

The deliverables of the project can be structured to be delivered under a staged approach. This will allow DTbHMFS to review and apply where possible outcomes from the project as the engagement progresses rather than once it has concluded.

The deliverables of the project include:

 

Deliverable Description  
1 Background and market research
2 Departmental baseline and analysis
3 Hotel audit
4 Final report and recommendations

The project report shall be written up as a business case including, but not limited to, the following sections:

  • Executive Summary
  • Background and market research
  • Departmental baseline and analysis
  • Audit methodology and outcomes
  • Recommendations

The project deliverables shall be written for a wide audience. It should be assumed the majority do not have an in-depth understanding of energy efficiency audits.

GSP – DTbH – Energy Efficiency Audit and Solar Energy Assessment at the DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne

Nina COMPLETED
GSP – DTbH – Energy Efficiency Audit and Solar Energy Assessment at the DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne

BACKGROUND:

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of seventeen global

Brands including the DoubleTree by Hilton. Hilton have made a commitment through the CSR program Travel With Purpose, to double their social impact and halve their environmental footprint globally by 2030, in-line with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Hilton uses its proprietary system LightStay, to measure, manage and report the environmental and social impact of every hotel in their global portfolio of more than 5,600 managed and franchised hotels. DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street (DTbHMFS) have implemented many large and small scale Travel With Purpose initiatives in the past few years and are consistently looking for new projects to work towards this goal.

DTbHMFS is located centrally in Melbourne on Flinders Street. It is a 187 room hotel with in-house restaurant that runs high occupancies throughout the year and therefore has a lot of energy use. Electricity costs are increasing year upon year and extreme weather situatioCopy to a new draftns are challenging a reliable reliance on the grid (there is no generator on the property). Additionally in-line with Hilton’s 2030 goals DTbHMFS is seeking ways to reduce its carbon footprint via reducing energy use and potentially utilising renewable energy to power some the hotel and offset emissions.

AIM:

  1. The aim is to undertake an energy efficiency audit to understand how energy reduction and cost savings might be made in the hotel.
  2. Analysis of the building to understand the feasibility of installing solar on the rooftop for energy use in the hotel and offsetting emissions.

The energy efficiency audit shall include lighting, utilities, appliances, computers, printers, heating and cooling. It should consider building envelope, shading, consumption, usage (timers, sleep-mode etc.), appliances and any other opportunities the student may identify.

The student is expected to be utilising available data on electricity consumption, lease costs, perform site visits, research energy efficiency data (energy star ratings) of various electrical devices, resulting in an energy efficiency audit checklist and recommendations.

The building analysis for solar energy should encompass the building structure and rooftop space and if installation is possible. What type of solar would offer the maximum output v cost ratio. What savings can be achieved through implementation (dollar and emissions) and what is the ROI to the business and over what period of time.

Findings will be presented in a two part extensive report. Part 1. Detailing options to improve energy efficiency with corresponding costings, pay-backs and greenhouse gas emissions savings. Part 2. Detailing the solar energy findings, outcomes and recommendations.

This project will contribute to Hilton’s 2030 goals of halving its environmental footprint.

DELIVERABLES:

The deliverables of the project can be structured to be delivered under a staged approach. This will allow DTbHMFS to review and apply where possible outcomes from the project as the engagement progresses rather than once it has concluded.

The deliverables of the project include:

 

Deliverable Description  
1 Background and market research
2 Departmental baseline and analysis
3 Hotel audit
4 Final report and recommendations

The project report shall be written up as a business case including, but not limited to, the following sections:

  • Executive Summary
  • Background and market research
  • Departmental baseline and analysis
  • Audit methodology and outcomes
  • Recommendations

The project deliverables shall be written for a wide audience. It should be assumed the majority do not have an in-depth understanding of energy efficiency audits.

GSP-SV: Visualisation of Data on Plastic

Nina COMPLETED
GSP-SV: Visualisation of Data on Plastic

Project title: Waste Transport Model

Industry partner: Sustainability Victoria (SV)

Sustainability Victoria supports Victorians to be more sustainable in their everyday life; in homes and in jobs, schools and communities and in the systems and infrastructure that support a thriving Victorian economy and lifestyle. SV aims to improve the way Victoria manages its resources and help communities to take action on climate change. SV provide expert advice and guidance in energy, materials and waste. SV conducts research and demonstrate what is possible and inspires people to make sustainable change above and beyond legal requirements.

Background:

SV would like to engage RMIT students in a project to visualize the data on plastic from ABS input/input tables. The data may include:

  • which industries consume the most plastic?
  • which industries generate the most plastic?
  • what type of plastic is consumed / generated PET, HDPE, etc.?
  • what are the main products generated from plastic?
  • what is the cost by material type of plastic for each industry?

The visualization (preferably in Power BI) should show the different scenarios and show where the real impacts might be.

Project aim/expected outcomes:

The project aims to highlight plastic as a material to see where the government might be able to have an impact in encouraging recycled plastic content in industry and what the costs of recycled material would be compared to virgin resins.

DELIVERABLES:

No. Main Deliverable Description Estimated Timing
1 Project Plan Students discuss with SV and RMIT academic supervisors about a detailed project plan. March 2020
2 Project Implementation Students review data and work on the possibilities for visualization. April-June 2019
3 Progress Report Students report progress (written report or presentation) May 2019
4 Final report and presentation Report/present on project outcomes June 2019

Work method:

  • Students are required to attend the kick-off meeting with SV to fully understand the requirements from SV. A returned project brief together with a project plan is required after this meeting.
  • Students then work on their own and/or under the supervision/instructions of the supervisor to meet the agreed timeline.
  • SV will appoint a contact person who helps students with data access or any question/queries regarding the requirements of the project.

Eligibility:

  • Analytics or Data Science students
  • Computer Science students

Appendix 1: ABS Input/Output Table

The release is ABS catalogue 5215.0.55.001 and the latest release is available on the ABS website at
https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/5215.0.55.001Main+Features12016-17

18210010 Synthetic rubber 1803
18210020 Polystyrene 1803
18210030 Polyethylene 1803
18210040 Polyvinyl chloride 1803
18210050 Polypropylene 1803
18210060 Polyvinyl acetate and synthetic resins nec (excl adhesives) in primary forms, not mixed/compounded (excl regranulated) 1803
18210070 Rosin and resin acids and derivatives thereof; rosin spirit and rosin oils; run gums 1803
18210080 Plastics in primary forms, mixed/compounded with other substances; regranulated, single thermoplastic scrap material 1803
18290010 Cellulose fibre or filament 1803
18290020 Non-cellulose fibre or filament 1803
18290030 Synthetic fibre or filament nec 1803
18290040 Basic polymers nec 1803

IMAGE: Thibaud Saintin. Harvest(6). Flickr.com. https://www.flickr.com/photos/wwarby/12140895823/ This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic Licence.

Thermal Oil Heating System Energy Balance: Spirit of Tasmania Vessels

Nina NEW
Thermal Oil Heating System Energy Balance: Spirit of Tasmania Vessels

1.0 Background

T.T.Line operate two vessels “Spirit of Tasmania I” and Spirit of Tasmania II” on the Bass Strait passenger and freight trade.

The vessels were built twenty years ago and due to recent legislative changes have been required to change the fuel type used for propulsion and powering the vessel.

This new fuel type ‘Low Sulphur Fuel Oil” has resulted in operational changes being made on the vessel that effect the “Heating Load“ requirements of the installed Thermal Oil Heating System.

The thermal oil heating system on the vessels provides heating for hotel services, auxiliary equipment and most importantly heating required for burning traditional ‘bunker fuels’ in the ships diesel engines.

The low sulphur fuel oil now in use does not require as much heating but how much less and how do we quantify the savings?

2.0 Project Aim

The project aim is to undertake an energy balance on the thermal oil heating system. First becoming familiar with that system. Further taking real measurements on the vessels under varying operational conditions to determine the heat load under port and sea conditions.

The thermal oil system is heated by two waste heat Exhaust Gas Economisers at sea and two Thermal Oil Boilers in port.

The project will aim to quantify the minimum and maximum heat load in port and at sea on the thermal oil heating system.

Students will be required to spend time on the vessels at sea (overnight sailings) and in port. All costs for travel will be covered by T.T.Line. Students would be expected to visit T.T.Line Offices at Station Pier where desk space will be provided.

Dependent on the outcomes T.T.Line may well engage RMIT to carry out further studies on energy usage throughout the vessel focusing on electrical generation and propulsion systems.

3.0  Key Research Questions:

  • How much has been saved in energy, fuel consumption and greenhouse gas terms due to the reduction in ‘fuel heating’ as a result of burning low sulphur fuel oil?
  • Can any improvements be made to the 20 year old Thermal Oil System to optimise its performance due to the reduced demand for heating?
  • Are there any operational changes that could be effected due to the reduced heating demand?
  • Can the thermal oil system be heated to a temperature lower than 190 degrees Celsius? Traditionally the heating temperature has been kept well above the dew point of Sulphur Dioxide to prevent the formation of Sulphuric Acid on the waste heat exhaust gas economiser tubes.
  • Knowing what we know now, are there any new technologies that could be implemented to make further savings?

4.0  Student Attributes:

Students must be self-starters, information will be provided in the form of PDF drawings, printed manuals and so forth remembering that the vessels were constructed twenty years ago. Students will be expected to extract the required information by thoroughly examining the available information.

Ship and shore staff will assist the students in gathering the information required. Students must be prepared to ‘crawl through’ the vessel with ships staff to gather information.

Students will be inducted on the vessels and expected to comply with T.T.Line OH&S procedures at all times.

 

GSP-DJCS-03: Office Energy Efficiency Assessment at the Department of Justice and Community Safety

Nina COMPLETED
GSP-DJCS-03: Office Energy Efficiency Assessment at the Department of Justice and Community Safety

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Justice and Community Safety (the department) has a vision for a justice and community safety system that works together to build a safer, fairer and stronger Victoria. The department has productive partnerships with more than 60 statutory entities and the support of more than 100,000 volunteers. It has extensive service delivery responsibilities ranging from managing both the state’s adult and youth custodial systems to providing consumer protection.

The environment team resides within the Assurance business unit of the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) and manages the Environmental Management System (EMS) to minimise the department’s environmental impacts, ensure efficient use of resources and comply with various legislation including the Financial Reporting Directive 24D and Climate Change Act 2017.

This document specifies a proposal for an environmental sustainability project to be undertaken by a student over four months, with the guidance of the Senior Environmental Specialist and RMIT supervisor(s).

DJCS is a significant greenhouse gas emitter with emissions expected to reach 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (t/CO2-e) this financial year. Of this number almost a quarter of emissions can be attributed to office-based emissions. The department has pledged to cut emissions in offices by 30% from 2015 levels.

AIM:

The student shall perform energy efficiency audits across a minimum of two occupied office locations. The audits shall be summarised together in one audit report and provided to the Assistant Director of Environment and Climate Change. These shall include specific recommendations, anticipated pay-backs and greenhouse gas emissions saving estimations to answer the research question:

  • What is the current annual cost per m2 to the department of operating offices of varying levels of energy efficiency and ownership?
  • What savings can be achieved through upgrades to the tenancy fit-out, appliances and staff behaviour and how does this differ between a regional and urban environment?

The energy efficiency audit shall include lighting, utilities, appliances, computers, printers, heating and cooling. It should consider building envelope, shading, consumption, usage (timers, sleep-mode etc.), appliances and any other opportunities the student may identify.

We propose that the audit be executed at a minimum of two occupied office locations: one central business district location and one regional office. The student is expected to be utilising available data on electricity consumption, lease costs, perform site visits, provide a NABERS comparison, research energy efficiency data (energy star ratings) of various electrical devices, resulting in an energy efficiency audit checklist and recommendations. Findings will be presented in an extensive report detailing options to improve energy efficiency with corresponding costings, pay-backs and greenhouse gas emissions savings.

This project will contribute considerably to the department’s environmental targets within the Environmental Management Plan and key goals of reducing office-based emissions.

DELIVERABLES:

The deliverables of the project include:

Deliverable Description Initial Timing Estimate
1 Background and market research 2 weeks
2 Departmental baseline and analysis 2 weeks
3 Metro audit 2 weeks
4 Regional audit 2 weeks
5 Final report and recommendations 2 weeks

The project report shall be written up as a business case including, but not limited to, the following sections:

  • Executive Summary
  • Background and market research
  • Departmental baseline and analysis
  • Audit methodology and outcomes
  • Recommendations

The project deliverable shall be written for a wide audience. It should be assumed the majority do not have an in-depth understanding of energy efficiency audits.

WORK METHOD:

 TBD

KEY ATTRIBUTES:

Attributes required include:

  • Basic engineering and financial modeling
  • Intermediate spreadsheet skills
  • Intermediate energy efficiency audit knowledge
  • Self-motivated.

STUDENT SELECTION:

DJCS is welcomed to join the selection of students with RMIT project team.

The successful applicant must be willing to undertake security and police checks before appointment or access to site is given. DJCS reserves the right to refuse any or all students applying to this Industry Engagement at any stage of the process.

GSP-MG-01-Detection of phase to earth fault on a REFCL earthed network within customer

Nina COMPLETED

BACKGROUND AND AIM:  

Middleton Group, an Australian specialist electrical consulting engineering organization, wishes to analyze the impact of Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter (REFCL) on traditional protection elements and identify ways to detect the earth fault in the High Voltage (HV) customer network.

Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter (REFCL) is a protective device that mitigates grass and bushfire ignition through limiting fault current energy following a powerline coming into contact with earth, typically as a result of a fallen powerline. Victorian government have deployed the REFCL device which will be installed in the zone substation and will be owned and operated by the power utilities.

REFCLs will reduce bushfires from faulty powerlines, better protecting Victorian lives and property from catastrophic bushfires. Bushfires ignited by powerlines contributed to the deaths of 159 of the 173 Victorians who died during the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The Victorian Government established the Powerline Bushfire Safety Program to implement recommendations of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. REFCLs are a critical component of this $750 million program of works. REFCLs have been demonstrated to be highly effective in managing powerline faults by rapidly limiting the energy release on high voltage 22kV powerlines. REFCLs are being placed at 45 major electrical installations (called substations) in high-risk bushfire areas.

DELIVERABLES:

No. Main Deliverable Description Estimated Timing
1 Project Plan Students discuss with Middleton Group and RMIT academic supervisors about a detailed project plan. July 2019
2 Literature Review Students work under their academic supervisors to review relevant literature. July-August 2019
3 Data Collection Students collect relevant data under the facilitation of Middleton Group. August-September 2019
4 Theoretical Modelling Electrical power system studies and fault analysis October 2019
5 Establishment of Software Simulation or Test Facility Power system software simulation in a test network November 2019
6 Tests and Analysis Validation of theoretical modelling through simulation results March-April 2020
7 Draft report Draft Report, recommending solutions to detect earth faults within the customer network May 2020
8 Final report Final Report End May 2020
9 Presentation Presentation on research findings. June 2020

WORK METHOD:

  • Students work under the supervision of RMIT academic supervisor.
  • Middleton Group appoints a contact person to help students access to data and information. There should be regular (fortnightly/monthly) meetings between students and Middleton Group.

DESIRED STUDENT ATTRIBUTES:

  • UG/PG electrical engineering students
  • Basic power system engineering and modelling
  • Basic power system software knowledge
  • Intermediate spreadsheet skills
  • Self-motivated.

 

 

GSP-ESC-01-Developing a Persistence Model to Assess the Energy Efficiency of Biomass Boilers

Nina COMPLETED

BACKGROUND AND AIM:

Essential Services Commission (ESC) is an independent regulator that promotes the long- term interests of Victorian consumers with respect to the price, quality and reliability of essential services.

ESC is administering the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program (formerly the VEET Scheme) which awards energy efficiency certificates for proving energy savings using a method called measurement and verification. These custom project-based activities can encompass nearly any technology, and one of the features of this method is that applicants can claim savings for several years in advance, by applying a persistence model to their savings which describe how the energy efficiency of the equipment decreases over time with wear etc. For example, some solar PV projects may be able to claim for up to 9.91 years at once (the maximum available period is 10 years). Things that affect persistence may include factors such as maintenance requirements, wear, fouling, corrosion etc.

Currently ESC is using a tool developed by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage which includes the persistence models for several technology equipment types (https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/business/piamv-tool.htm). Applicants can use one of these models, or if a model does not exist, they can either propose their own, or use a conservative set of default decay factors which may over-estimate the decay.

It is recognized that this tool is not applicable to some technology types, including biomass boilers. Biomass boilers may use a range of different fuels types which includes eligible types of wood, food and municipal waste among others. Background about the method can be found here: https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades-program/activities-offered-under-veu-program/project-based-activities/measurement-and-verification-method and specifically the detailed document providing details of how we administer M&V is found here https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/DMS%20464%20-%20PBL%20-%20Measurement%20and%20Verification%20Method%20Activity%20Guide%20-%20V4.0%20-%2020181211_2.pdf

ESC wishes to engage RMIT students in a project aiming to develop a persistence model which describes biomass boilers and the depreciation of their energy efficiency over a ten-year period.

DELIVERABLES:

No. Main Deliverable Description Estimated Timing
1 Project Plan Students discuss with ESC and RMIT academic supervisors about a detailed project plan. July 2019
2 Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis Students work under their academic supervisors to review relevant literature and collect relevant data under the facilitation of ESC. July-August 2019
3 Development of a robust, research and evidence -based persistence model which describes how the energy efficiency of a biomass boiler decays over time (Draft) –     Data are presented as a set of yearly fractions (decay factors) for years one to ten which represent for each year the proportion of efficiency relative to when it was initially installed.

–     This will take the form of a tool in excel, which mirrors that in the OEH tool, along with delivery of modelling and raw data files which support the tool

–     The tool must be able to adjust the decay factors based on factors including biomass fuel type, location within Victoria, water hardness and any other important operating conditions which affects persistence.

–     The model may also consider other locations within Australia, but its primary purpose is to describe persistence within Victoria.

–     Ideally this will also include a presentation and report of findings which explains the rationale and method followed to develop the tool

 September – November, 2019
4 Comments on the draft model Discussion with ESC about the model.
7 Presentation of final model Revise the model and present the final one to ESC

 

WORK METHOD:

  • Students work under the supervision of RMIT academic supervisor.
  • ESC appoints a contact person to help students access to data and info. There should be regular (fortnightly/monthly) meetings between students and ESC to discuss the project progress.

DESIRED STUDENT ATTRIBUTES:

  • UG/PG Sustainable Systems/Sustainable Energy Engineering students.

GSP-SV-12: Zero Net Carbon (ZNC) Residential Homes

Nina COMPLETED

Industry partner: Sustainability Victoria (SV)

Sustainability Victoria (SV) supports Victorians to be more sustainable in their everyday life; in their homes, jobs, schools and communities and in the systems and infrastructure that support a thriving Victorian economy and lifestyle. Sustainability Victoria aims to improve the way Victoria manages its resources and helps its communities to take action on climate change. Sustainability Victoria provides expert advice and guidance about energy, materials and waste and conducts research that demonstrates what is possible and inspires people to make sustainable change above and beyond legal requirements.

Project aim:

SV is currently running a project working with volume home builders to build and sell ZNC home. A key aim is to ensure sustainable homes can be built for a cost sensitive market. A key part of the project is a compliance program to ensure the ‘as-built’ house meets the ZNC requirements.

In order to ensure the as-built compliance program is well designed SV would like someone to undertake a research on best practices programs in Europe and America. This will help inform, along with the outcomes from the project, the design of a rigorous ZNC program.

Project tasks:

The research would cover:
– Compliance programs across the world of ZNC homes
– Recorded benefits of ZNC homes
– Accreditation programs for compliance of both the as-built and the designers

Project deliverables:

  • A report of consolidated findings
  • A PowerPoint presentation of research project

Timeline:
– July – October 2019 (Semester 2)

Work Method:

– Students are required to attend the kick-off meeting with SV to fully understand the requirements from SV. A returned project brief together with a project plan is required after this meeting.
– Students then work on their own and/or under the supervision/instructions of the supervisor to meet the agreed timeline.
– SV will appoint a contact person who helps students with data access or any question/queries regarding the requirements of the project.

 

GSP-SV-11: Low Income Housing – Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programs

Nina COMPLETED

Industry partner: Sustainability Victoria (SV)

Sustainability Victoria (SV) supports Victorians to be more sustainable in their everyday life; in their homes, jobs, schools and communities and in the systems and infrastructure that support a thriving Victorian economy and lifestyle. Sustainability Victoria aims to improve the way Victoria manages its resources and helps its communities to take action on climate change. Sustainability Victoria provides expert advice and guidance about energy, materials and waste and conducts research that demonstrates what is possible and inspires people to make sustainable change above and beyond legal requirements.

Project aim:

The Victorian Government has run several small- scale (around 1000 homes) energy efficiency retrofit programs to help reduce energy costs for low income households, while improving thermal comfort and health outcomes. To help Victoria reach zero-net-carbon (ZNC) by 2050 significant reductions of emissions from the residential sector will have to take place. A large scale retrofit program for low income households could be part of this reduction in emissions.

In this project SV would like to engage one or two students in a research to study similar government-led energy retrofit programs that have happened across the world.

Project tasks:

The research would cover:
– Different models of large scale retrofits
– What made a successful large scale (in excess of 100,000 homes) energy retrofit program
– The challenges in scaling up a retrofit program
– How the retrofit programs were financed eg social bond, co-contribution from home owner, philanthropic etc

Project deliverables:

A report of consolidated findings
– A PowerPoint presentation of research project

Timeline:
– July – October 2019 (Semester 2)

Work Method:

– Students are required to attend the kick-off meeting with SV to fully understand the requirements from SV. A returned project brief together with a project plan is required after this meeting.
– Students then work on their own and/or under the supervision/instructions of the supervisor to meet the agreed timeline.
– SV will appoint a contact person who helps students with data access or any question/queries regarding the requirements of the project.

 

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