Water
Australia is the driest inhabited country on Earth. The rainfall patterns and geographic location of UNE result in a high level of water security. This however has little impact on the University’s approach to sustainability.
UNE is undertaking a comprehensive approach to improving water efficiency. The installation of high efficiency devices has led to substantial reductions in water use across the university. The figure below illustrates the reduction in water use that UNE has been able to achieve over the 2000 – 2009 period. The main reduction evidenced between 2000 and 2001 was a result of the start of campus wide introduction of waterless urinals, low-flow shower heads and dual flush cisterns. The ongoing installation of high efficiency water devices has resulted in 52.84% reduction in total annual water use.
WRaIN
The University recognizes the complexity and difficulties facing water management in Australia. To help ameliorate and develop knowledge within the area, the Water Research and Innovation Network (WRaIN) was established. This group views water through an interdisciplinary frame, its key goals are to:
- achieve high impact results by carrying out research relevant to communities and current water research agendas;
- establish, maintain and strengthen links with regional and rural industries and communities by incorporating research results into tools and systems for sustainable water management; and
- develop education programs that integrate the environmental, policy and cultural evidence for sustainable water management.
For more details on the WRaIN and the staff involved visit: http://www.une.edu.au/about/research/water-perspectives