Lumen Winter 2015 - Flipbook - Page 19
The University of Adelaide
is one of Australia’s most
research-intensive institutions.
Over 1,800 research staff
work individually and
collectively to address some
of the biggest challenges
facing the world today.
rgy
CST stations will be most beneficial in
outback environments where they can help
power remote settlements, farms and industries.
Dr Woei Saw (BE 2004 PhD 2009) from
the Centre for Energy Technology says that
researchers working with the ASTRI solar fuels
program are using this technology to produce
a highly efficient and cost-effective solarised
transport fuel.
“We have completed the first stage of the
project – a six-month scoping study of various
CST fuel technologies. The second stage is to
provide a proof-of-concept of the proposed
CST technologies,” said Saw.
Below: Professor Gus Nathan, Centre for
Energy Technology (CET) Director
Currently the University contributes research expertise towards
several ground-breaking projects aimed at creating a more
sustainable future for Australia. New developments in technology
mean we are closer than ever to a renewable biofuels industry,
with an Australian-first demonstration plant at Whyalla set to
produce 30,000 litres of green crude per year.
There have also been major advancements in the way we capture,
store and use the sun’s energy – a plentiful resource in Australia.
The University is also exploring how adopting more sustainable
business practices and creating greener cities can influence the
cost of business and the impacts on workforce productivity.
Greener cities to combat climate change
D
r Simon Divecha (PhD 2014)
works at the University’s
Business School and the
Environment Institute. He has spent
decades exploring how organisations
can move towards more sustainable
business practices.
Simon’s doctoral research looks
at applying this knowledge to realise
the changes required to attain a more
sustainable and greener future.
Simon explains there is a resistance
to change, despite the benefit of increased
productivity and a cost reduction.
“Greener ways of thinking can reduce
business costs. Cities are a great
example. If we shade the buildings,
the walls and the roads with more
trees and plants, it reduces the heat
absorbed during the day, lowering
radiated heat at night.”
“This can cut energy costs and
carbon emissions as well as increase
the quality of the air we breathe.
“A greener future makes economic
sense, however the economic benefit
is not enough for businesses and
organisations to change. Transformational
change usually requires a culture
shift and a new way of thinking about
sustainability.
“We need to consider the whole
picture, not just part of it.”
For buildings there are proven benefits
for workforce productivity by enriching
work environments with greener
buildings and office green space.
People working in these
environments are likely to be more
productive than those in bare spaces
without trees and plants.
Simon’s research titled Integral
Action Loops provides strategies for
businesses to help them increase their
sustainability and reduce operating
costs while supporting a greener future.
Below: One Central Park residential towers
in Sydney combine nature with city living.
(Photo courtesy of The Bravery)
|e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 17
