Author: Geoff Marchiori

Project title: Waste Transfer Stations

Project aim  To investigate the feasibility of the development of an ideal transfer station at a specific location. Key issues to resolve are increased recycling and overall reduction in waste to landfill, consideration of occupational health and safety issue requirements and future growth as given on Macedon Ranges Shore Council (MRSC) population statistics. The project will also examine some design options for renewal of two existing sites at Woodend and Kyneton, following current standards and allowing future improvements around recycling.

Industry partner  Macedon Ranges Shire Council (MRSC)

Macedon Ranges Shire Council coordinate community projects with community partners to enhance the look and use of public spaces such as parks, town centres, public land and community buildings. Projects are chosen from community plans, which are developed in the townships by local community members. Council works with local community representatives to ensure the design of any upgrades reflects the community’s views.

Project title: Review Demographic and Solar Penetration Data

Project aim: To review demographic and solar penetration data in a number of Local Government Association’s in NSW and Victoria, with a view to developing a methodology for councils to target solar hotspots. To build a methodology to better understand customers’ needs in the energy efficiency markets, and analyse consumer behavior using a variety of demographic data. e.g. Local Government statistics and ABS will be undertaken.

Industry partner: Moreland Energy Foundation Limited
The Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL) works with households, businesses, community groups and governments on innovative approaches to implementing sustainable energy supply and reducing energy use. MEFL was  established in 2000 by the Moreland City Council after the privatisation of the Victorian electricity industry. The initial purpose of MEFL was to continue local action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the entire Moreland community. MEFL leads the climate change and energy agenda in Moreland and beyond.

Project title: Review of the Energy Efficiency Markets

Project aim: To undertake a market scan of energy efficiency markets in NSW, VIC, QLD, and SA. This will include researching and identifying products and policies that reduce energy consumption.

Industry partner: Moreland Energy Foundation Limited
The Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL) works with households, businesses, community groups and governments on innovative approaches to implementing sustainable energy supply and reducing energy use. MEFL was  established in 2000 by the Moreland City Council after the privatisation of the Victorian electricity industry. The initial purpose of MEFL was to continue local action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the entire Moreland community. MEFL leads the climate change and energy agenda in Moreland and beyond.

Project title: Solar Solutions for Non-residential Buildings

Project aim  To examine non-residential buildings in Moreland, with a view to identify the most effective solar, photovoltaic and battery solutions to reduce carbon emissions. This project supports Moreland’s Zero Carbon Evolution program and will partner with Moreland City Council.

Industry partner: Moreland Energy Foundation Limited

The Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL) works with households, businesses, community groups and governments on innovative approaches to implementing sustainable energy supply and reducing energy use. MEFL was  established in 2000 by the Moreland City Council after the privatisation of the Victorian electricity industry. The initial purpose of MEFL was to continue local action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the entire Moreland community. MEFL leads the climate change and energy agenda in Moreland and beyond.

Project title: Energy Efficiency Assessment of Rehabilitated Canal Structures

Project aim: To improve community living through an efficient, profitable, sustainable pump irrigation scheme at Pyawt Ywar Pump Irrigation Project (PIP), Myanmar. This will be carried out through the repair and upgrade of infrastructure, improvement of scheme operation with a strong community management, and improvement of water usage through better crop choice and agricultural practices. While the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS) is leading the physical rehabilitation of the scheme, International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is leading a consortium of four partners (IWMI, ICRISAT, WHH and NEPS) to improve on-farm and scheme water management whilst improving agricultural production.

Industry partner: The International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is a non-profit, scientific research organization focusing on the sustainable use of water and land resources in developing countries. IWMI works in partnership with governments, civil society and the private sector to develop scalable agricultural water management solutions that have a real impact on poverty reduction, food security and ecosystem health. In Myanmar, IWMI is undertaking projects including Rehabilitation of Pyawt Ywar Pump Irrigation Project, and Sustainable Management of Water to Improve Food Security and Livelihoods in the Dry Zone of Myanmar and is also involved in Ayeyarwady State of Basin Assessment.

Project title: Biogas Modelling and Power Generation at the Kinoya Waste Water Treatment Plant Fiji.

Project aim: To undertake a thorough analysis of gas composition, flow rates and sludge chemistry to determine its suitability for powering either a gas turbine or spark ignition engine to drive a generator (Phase 2 project). During Phase 1 of the project, an understanding of the design data of the existing biogas flare installation was achieved. Performance data of the biogas flare equipment and the data collected on site to determine the types of suitable power generator and potential amount of energy available will be determined in Phase 2.

Industry partner: Fiji Water Authority

Water Authority of Fiji (WAF or Water Authority) is a new Commercial Statutory Authority (CSA). It was established by the Government of Fiji to provide efficient and effective water and wastewater services in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner. The WAF Promulgation 2007 was effected for this purpose. The Government of Fiji started reforming the Water and Sewerage Department in 2009. The objective of this reform was to enhance the sustainable delivery of water and sewerage services to appropriate levels of service. The reform aimed at strengthening the then Water and Sewerage Department (WSD) before establishing the Water Authority of Fiji, which is dedicated to the delivery of water supply and sewerage services, autonomous and be able to mobilise the necessary resources to meet the demand, effectively and efficiently at required quality standards. From January, 1, 2010, WAF officially took over responsibilities, functions and operations previously carried out by WSD.

Project title: Innovative Solutions for Creating a Community Based Environmenal Centre in Harmony with Biodeiversity Values on the Site

Project aim: To develop a feasibility study for an innovative solution to creating a community and cultural based environmental centre for the City of Whittlesea. The study will include developing a concept and a vision for what is possible for a place to connect the community with each other and with nature.

Industry partner:  City of Whittlesea

The City of Whittlesea is a local government body located in the outer northern suburbs of Melbourne, covering an area of 489.9 square kilometres. At the 2016 Census, it had a residential population of 207,881 and this is expected to grow to 333,700 persons by 2036. Demographically, residents of the City come from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, with a very high percentage of residents born in other countries, particularly Macedonia, Italy, and Greece.

Project title: Creswick Wastewater Treatment Plant Decomissioning Plant

Project aim:  To identify the steps required to decommission the former wastewater treatment plant site into an environmental education centre and establish the environmental remedial tasks that will be required to redevelop the site.

Industry partner:  Central Highlands Water (Ballarat)

Central Highlands Water (CHW) is a regional water corporation providing high quality drinking water, sewerage, trade waste and recycled water services to customers in Ballarat and surrounding towns. CHW collects, stores, filters, disinfects and delivers waste, and collects and treats wastewater providing fully integrated catchment-to-tap-to-catchment water services. CHW currently providing water supply and sewerage services through 62,763 water supply connections and 52,714 wastewater service connections to more than 130,000 people.

Project title: Reporting requirements for Greenhouse Emission.

Project aim: To ensure Central Highlands Water (CHW) remains fully compliant with emissions and energy measurement and reporting requirements. This will be achieved by ensuring complete alignment between CHW’s definitions, methods and process and relevant regulatory requirements.

Industry partner: Central Highlands Water (Ballarat)

Central Highlands Water (CHW) is a regional water corporation providing high quality drinking water, sewerage, trade waste and recycled water services to customers in Ballarat and surrounding towns. CHW collects, stores, filters, disinfects and delivers waste, and collects and treats wastewater providing fully integrated catchment-to-tap-to-catchment water services. CHW currently providing water supply and sewerage services through 62,763 water supply connections and 52,714 wastewater service connections to more than 130,000 people.

Project title: Home Thermal Model Testing

Project aim: To work with the latest version of Sunulator developed by ATA to test the model’s estimates of electrical energy required to heat and cool a home, across different locations, home sizes and occupant behaviour. Sunulator’s estimates against other publicly available data will be compared and its limitations and significance explored. The Sunulator is a detailed solar-battery simulation model that can understand energy flows and project economics for grid-connected solar and solar-battery projects across Australia and for different load profiles and tariff structures.

Industry Partner: Alternate Technology Association (ATA)

The Alternative Technology Association (ATA) is a not-for-profit organisation that enables, represents and inspires people to live sustainably in their homes and communities. Established in 1980, the ATA provides expert, independent advice on sustainable solutions for the home to households, government, industry and corporate clients.