Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has presented The University of Queensland (UQ) with Brisbane’s Water Champion Award for outstanding water conservation efforts – saving about 240 million litres of water in the past year.
At the University for the "Discover UQ at the Family Fun Day" celebrations, Councillor Newman congratulated UQ for leading the way in adopting practical water saving measures.
"UQ has cut its annual water consumption in half (46.3%) in the past year. This has been achieved because it developed a comprehensive water conservation plan - and is sticking to it," Councillor Newman said.
The UQ (St Lucia) campus includes 120 buildings on 96 hectares, with an average workday population of about 18,000 people.
Water-saving practices that went beyond the call of duty, include:
• irrigation of playing fields with recycled water from the Fairfield Waste Water Treatment Plant;
• developing an ongoing rain water tank installation program;
• using stormwater for toilet use;
• introducing drought-resistant species of plants to the grounds;
• rolling out a program of retrofitting water-saving devices; and
• upgrading other equipment that used water as a heat exchange.
Councillor Newman said the University also reduced water consumption by implementing a Water Efficiency Management Plan, which helped UQ identify where changes could be made.
"Water consumption must be reduced and it’s up to all of us to do our bit. Whether it’s large organisation like UQ, or individuals turning off the tap while brushing their teeth - it all helps. Every drop counts," he said.
Source: Brisbane City Council Media Relations Unit, telephone 3403 8888.
.jpg)
