Curtin University

Curtin University sought to position itself as a sustainability leader to attract top staff and students while addressing increasing calls for organisations to actively combat climate change. By partnering with Avani, Curtin seamlessly integrated advanced technology and data from over 1,500 sensors, transforming its campus into a living lab. This collaboration has slashed energy consumption, significantly reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced Curtin’s reputation as an innovator in sustainable practices.

While Curtin University had already embraced environmental responsibility as part of its ethos, several challenges stood in the way of achieving its ambitious sustainability goals:

• Energy Inefficiency: Despite efforts to reduce waste, large-scale operations resulted in inefficient power consumption.
• Data Silos: The lack of integrated, real-time insights from systems across the campus complicated decision-making and hindered sustainability planning.
• Pressure for Transparency: Students and staff were demanding tangible efforts towards minimising environmental impact. Curtin needed better visibility and measurable progress to maintain credibility.

Ultimately, Curtin required a scalable, technology-driven solution that could meet its energy sustainability objectives while allowing staff and students to collaborate on real-time challenges and innovations.

Curtin University turned to Avani to implement solutions tailored to modern sustainability challenges. Avani applied its cutting-edge technology to create a holistic system of energy management and insights across the campus. Key aspects of the solution included:

• Integration of Smart Systems: Avani connected over 1,500 energy meters and sensors to monitor and optimise campus power consumption and generation.
• Data Enrichment: Inputs from sources like the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Bureau of Meteorology were incorporated, providing Curtin with essential insights into energy trends and weather conditions.
• Visibility and Accessibility: Data was displayed through web-based visualisations accessible to students, staff, and the public, transforming the campus into an interactive learning and research hub.
• Thermal Storage Optimisation: Modifications were made to Curtin’s thermal storage discharge profile, reducing peak-time energy loads.
• Living Lab Model: Harnessing the campus as a “living lab,” Avani empowered Curtin’s staff and students to investigate energy practices and explore innovative sustainability measures in real time.

By addressing inefficiencies and leveraging data in new ways, the Avani solution gave Curtin the tools it needed to take meaningful steps toward sustainability.

The outcomes of Avani’s partnership with Curtin University were both measurable and transformational:

• Carbon Reduction: Curtin avoided 9,144 tonnes of CO2 emissions since 2015, demonstrating a significant impact on sustainability.
• Energy Savings: The TL Robertson Library achieved a 67% reduction in energy consumption, which equates to the output of 10,000m² of photovoltaic solar cells.
• Research Innovation: Curtin’s living lab set the stage for innovative energy solutions, allowing staff and students to test and implement newer, more sustainable energy practices.
  Future
• Readiness: System analytics enabled Curtin’s campus planners to optimise infrastructure for future expansions and energy needs.
• Peak Demand Reduction: Adjustments to the utilisation of thermal storage led to lower power dependence during peak periods.
• Enhanced Reputation: Curtin is now recognised as a global leader in campus sustainability, attracting top researchers, academics, and environmentally conscious students.

According to Curtin University, these advancements not only meet the immediate needs of their operations but also position the campus as a forward-thinking institution dedicated to solving global challenges.