La Trobe University has cut its operational carbon emissions by 80 per cent, equivalent to 45,000 tonnes of CO₂ delivered in partnership with global energy technology partner Schneider Electric.
As one of the top 250 universities in the world, La Trobe is leading one of Australia’s most ambitious decarbonisation efforts: a $75 million, 10‑year journey to reach Net Zero by 2029. The initiative spans campuses in Melbourne, regional Victoria and Sydney, with Shepparton becoming the university’s first fully electric campus.
At the centre of the program is the La Trobe Solar Farm in Melbourne, commonly referred to as Victoria’s largest urban solar farm. The 3.5 hectare installation features 4300 solar panels generating 2.9 megawatts of renewable energy, supported by a 2.5 megawatt /4.5 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system.
This project is designed to support reliable electrification efforts across the university’s campuses.
Schneider Electric integrated the solar and battery systems with La Trobe’s existing infrastructure through a series of medium-voltage upgrades and digital energy management technologies. This includes a SF6-free SM AirSeT switchgear aimed at reducing environmental impacts and extending asset lifecycles from 30 to 40 years.
The university has also deployed Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert platform. The digital platform is intended to support renewable load balancing, electrification planning and long-term emissions reduction strategies.
La Trobe’s broader Net Zero by 2029 program also includes electrification upgrades across campuses, rooftop and carport solar installations, 76 electric vehicle chargers and biodiversity initiatives.
The La Trobe Shepparton campus has already transitioned to become the university’s first fully electric campus.
“The scale and complexity of this transformation – modernising ageing infrastructure, integrating new renewable systems, and building an industry leading university campus is significant,” said Andrew Jennings, Executive Director, Net Zero, Facilities, Assets and Services at La Trobe University.
“Schneider Electric’s expertise has ensured we can electrify, digitise and decarbonise our campuses without compromising the experience of our students, staff or researchers.”
Over the next five years, further electricity distribution upgrades are planned as La Trobe continues to expand its net zero program across its campus network.
For more information about La Trobe University’s net zero by 2030 program:
Visit the La Trobe University Net Zero Program webpage
