Why aren't we using more renewable energy in government facilities?

Switching to renewable energy – especially wind and solar – is essential if we are to completely decarbonise the way we produce energy. Australia is lucky as we have particularly abundant renewable resources. We have really picked up the pace here in Australia on converting to renewable energy: 35.9% of Australia’s energy was generated by renewables in 2022, up from just 16.9% in 2017.

Yes, governments can and should lead the way, and they can do this by building new buildings that produce at least some of their own energy as well as ensuring existing buildings are very energy efficient, so they use less power. Multi-storey buildings, like government office buildings, often don’t have much roof space to accommodate rooftop solar panels. This is one reason why many government buildings don’t make their own power. But new types of solar energy technology now mean that multi-storey buildings can be clad all over with a “solar skin” like this proposed (non-government) building in Melbourne.

Some government buildings do have large roofs that are really suitable for generating all the energy they use, and more. For example, Australia’s airports – mostly federal government-owned buildings – have huge amounts of roof space that can accommodate large scale photovoltaic (or solar) systems. These can generate energy for the airport as well as thousands of homes and businesses. Other buildings with large roofs – for example, swimming pools which are often local government-owned – can produce more energy than they need for water heating and put power back into the grid.

One sector that is leading the way in getting government buildings to generate renewable power is – you guessed it – Australia’s schools. Schools all over the country are running solar fundraising campaigns and initiatives, like Solar My School in Sydney, some supported by local or state government. It’s bringing renewable power to thousands of classrooms with cost savings for the schools. It’s also a great learning opportunity for students to see how their school communities can lead the way in decarbonising and going renewable.