Tackling Decarbonisation in Tertiary Education: Lucid’s Proven Approach

Following insightful discussions with our team at TEFMA24, four key themes emerged as critical considerations for the tertiary education sector. Throughout October, we’re excited to continue the conversation by sharing how Lucid has addressed these challenges through innovative projects, celebrating our teams' unique contributions to transforming the education sector. Each post will spotlight a specific issue shaping the future of education facilities, starting with decarbonisation.?

Tackling Decarbonisation in Tertiary Education?

Universities are on the frontlines of addressing climate change, with decarbonisation being a critical objective for organisations. Through projects like the ANU Decarbonisation Masterplan and RMIT’s Carbon Neutral City Campus, Lucid has helped these institutions transition to meet their sustainability goals, becoming market leaders while maintaining operational integrity.?

At the core of these projects, Lucid’s multi-disciplinary expertise allowed us to navigate the technical and operational complexities associated with electrification and asset decarbonisation, delivering solutions that align with both environmental ambitions and financial goals.??

Here’s how we addressed the key challenges:?

• ANU Decarbonisation Masterplan: With ambitious decarbonisation goals, Lucid led the replacement of gas-fired infrastructure with electric heat pumps, master planning five new central thermal hubs. These hubs incorporated renewable energy generation, water-cooled central chillers, and air-cooled heat pumps. We acted as lead consultants, managing a diverse team across multiple disciplines, from architecture, acoustics, building services, and heritage and environment, ensuring seamless project execution.?
• RMIT Carbon Neutral City Campus: At RMIT, we tackled existing infrastructure challenges, maximising the value of systems like the cogeneration plant, high voltage precinct infrastructure, and heating/cooling loops. Lucid delivered a comprehensive feasibility study and design approach, targeting the removal of fossil fuel dependency while enhancing long-term value for the university.?

• Leadership in Complex Project Management: In both cases, Lucid served as head consultant, integrating diverse teams, and ensuring project delivery without overburdening internal university resources.?
• Strategic Stakeholder Alignment: We facilitated engagement across multiple stakeholder groups, ensuring investment strategies aligned with sustainability targets and outcomes.?
• Preserving Campus Heritage: While modernising infrastructure, Lucid ensured that cultural and environmental considerations were respected, integrating new systems while avoiding impact on campus heritage and disrupting campus life.?
• Maximising Existing Assets: By leveraging existing infrastructure, Lucid maximised asset value, reducing reliance on new capital expenditure.?

Universities and educational institutions are not only striving for decarbonisation but also balancing financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and leadership in the community. With our extensive experience in electrification and decarbonisation, our team is experienced to deliver future-proof solutions that align with these diverse aspirations—helping institutions meet their sustainability targets, optimise existing infrastructure, and enhance their reputation as leaders in the sector’s transition to a low-carbon future.?

We are eager to keep the conversation going and share our project learnings. If you're interested in hearing more about our approach to tertiary education, decarbonisation, or exploring how we can assist with your own unique challenges, then we are keen to speak with you. Reach out to our team, including our Energy and Sustainability Sector Leaders - Jordan McPeake and Bob Wilson , or our Education Sector Leader - Andrei Mitran . ?