It’s Getting Hot In Here

Results from last week’s Student Referendum at the University of Sydney, Australia, are in, with 90% of students calling for the University to change its energy policy by switching from 100% coal-sourced power to Clean Energy, and taking responsibility for its contribution to global warming.

The Referendum was the first at Sydney University in over 25 years. In two days, 2998 votes were cast in a University-wide Referendum that demonstrates:
1) 90% of students believe the University has a responsibility to act on climate change;
2) 93% believe the University should reduce its energy consumption in order to reduce its impact on climate change;
3) 90% call for the University to purchase a minimum of 20% GreenPower; and
4) 81% believe the University should declare its partnerships with the fossil fuel and nuclear industries.

Diana Popic, SRC Environment Officer, says the results are clear and overwhelming. “Students are concerned about global warming and are demanding action close to home. It’s time the University stops ignoring the reality our generation will have to face, and shows leadership on this issue by investing in 20% GreenPower and committing to real energy savings targets.”

Australian Student Environment Network Climate campaigner, Anna Rose, says the result emphasises calls for action, for over a year, from the broader University community. “The 90% majority vote reiterates what hundreds of staff, 15 Faculty Councils and Deans, climate scientists including Dr. David Suzuki and Dr. Tim Flannery, and over 200 community members, have already asked for.”

“Students and staff are calling on Vice-Chancellor Professor Gavin Brown to address the University’s high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The University of Sydney can no longer delay in doing what all institutions, government, business and individuals have a responsibility to do – take real action on climate change.”

Although UNSW, ANU and Monash University already purchase some government accredited GreenPower, the University Vice-Chancellor has stated he thinks Universities should be spending money on research, not GreenPower. The referendum results show that students believe research is no substitute for action, when solutions are already available to combat climate change.

Students will be demanding a response from the University within the next week. The referendum results are not binding on the University and Vice-Chancellor Gavin Brown previously stated he will ignore the results.

After a similar Student Referendum at Monash University, Victoria last year, the Administration agreed to purchase at least 10% renewable energy and to fund further purchase of GreenPower through energy reduction by 20%.

Sydney University Vice-Chancellor Professor Gavin Brown’s office can be contacted on + 61 2 93515051. It would be amazing if we could get a sign-on letter from American/ Canadian Unis saying how great it is getting green energy. Might put some pressure on our VC. You can find our more at www.greencampusnow.org