Monash University’s Electric Vehicle charging stations drive a passion for sustainability

Monash University is leading the charge towards a sustainable future with the commissioning of state-of-the-art Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations across its campuses, marking a significant step towards fostering sustainability and supporting eco-friendly transportation options.

The charging infrastructure will not only be accessible to university staff and students but are also open to the general public, further raising awareness of the convenience of  low-emission transport.

As a leading institution committed to environmental responsibility, Monash University is continuing to innovate in its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. With the increasing adoption of EVs, the university recognises the need for accessible charging infrastructure to support the transition towards cleaner and greener transportation alternatives.

“Electric vehicle sales in Australia are increasing rapidly (8.3 per cent in 2023 compared to 2 per cent in 2022), and the demand for public charging infrastructure is also increasing. By charging their EVs at Monash’s newly installed charging stations, staff, students and the general public can take advantage of the plentiful solar power on the grid, making it a green and cost-effective option,” said Associate Professor Roger Dargaville, Director (Interim) of the Monash Energy Institute.

Key features of the EV charging stations include:

• Universal Access: The charging stations are open to Monash University staff, students, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to sustainable transportation.
• Cutting-edge Technology: Equipped with the latest charging technology, the stations offer fast and efficient charging for electric vehicles, ensuring a seamless experience for users.
• Strategic Locations: The charging stations are strategically placed across the campus, providing convenient access for electric vehicle owners without compromising on the aesthetics and functionality of the university environment.
• Promoting Sustainability: By encouraging the use of electric vehicles, Monash University is contributing to a sustainable future, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmentally friendly transportation options.

“As a university committed to sustainability, we are thrilled to offer EV charging stations that are not only accessible to our university community but also extend a warm welcome to the wider public. This initiative aligns with our ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious campus,” said Peter Marshall AM, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice-President at Monash University.

The project was facilitated in part by a grant from the Victorian Government’s Zero Emissions Vehicles Commercial Sector Innovation Fund (CSIF). This program aims to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) technology in commercial settings, and Monash University is proud to be part of this initiative.

ENGIE Australia & New Zealand will oversee the supply, installation, and commissioning of the charging hardware while providing comprehensive operations and maintenance support.

Monash University is firmly committed to addressing the critical issue of climate change by striving to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

“We have created a comprehensive charging network to service the diverse needs of the University and wider community as we continue our transition towards Net Zero,” said
Vanessa Graham, Net Zero Manager at Monash University.

Moreover, Monash’s dedication to sustainability goes beyond these charging stations. By 2024 and beyond, Monash will transition their entire fleet to electric vehicles across all campuses. This is expected to result in a significant reduction of 677 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, aligning with the university’s environmental goals.