Experts focus on sustainable solutions

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Tags: buildings, GCI, philanthropy, St Lucia campus, summer-2010, sustainability

An artist's impression of the Global Change Institute

The Global Change Institute (GCI), which addresses the problems of a rapidly changing world, was launched in March by Dr Penelope Wensley, Governor of Queensland.

Vice-Chancellor and Global Change Institute Board Chair Professor Paul Greenfield said the GCI represented a significant commitment by the University to focus on global problems.

“To tackle these challenges effectively you need the best minds from different fields of research, all working together,” he said.

“UQ has many brilliant people across the spectrum of research who will investigate ways of anticipating and responding to global change.”

GCI Director Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg said the institute would focus on some of our biggest challenges: climate change, population growth and changing technology, and would draw on expertise from around the globe.

“The GCI is about helping the communities of a changing world find long-term, sustainable solutions,” he said.

“What is exciting about this challenge is that many of the technologies and approaches already exist. All we need to do is to work out how to implement them.”

The new $30 million building to house the GCI (pictured) – to be built next year – will be an example of modern green technology in action.

Made possible by a $15 million gift by alumnus and co-founder of Wotif.com Graeme Wood, the building will employ sustainable design, construction and operating practices. It will house the control room of Australia’s largest flat panel solar photovoltaic electricity generator to be constructed at the St Lucia campus.

The PV system will reduce the campus’s peak electricity consumption and decrease carbon emissions by 1.14 kt CO2-equivalent per annum.

Mr Wood encouraged other successful Australians to join him in supporting the GCI.

“If we want to make a genuine impact on global issues concerning the environment and the effects of rapid population growth, the investment has to be substantial,” he said.

“I call upon the business community, government and individuals to assist UQ in solving these complex and pressing global issues.”

Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said the GCI aimed to consolidate UQ as a leader in the analysis of complex problems, while providing a platform for both UQ researchers and the community.

Deputy Directors Professor Andrew Griffiths and Mr Barry Ball bring decades of experience to their roles, and the institute also benefits from the expertise of board member and Chair of the Australian Carbon Trust, Professor Robert Hill.

By Andrew Dunne

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