Melbourne Polytechnic partners with SEC for 100% renewable energy

Melbourne Polytechnic is a leading vocational and higher education provider that trains thousands of students each year across seven campuses and two training centres.

It now powers a high proportion of these sites with 100% renewable electricity from SEC, reducing its operational electricity-related emissions and strengthening its commitment to a clean, future-focused economy.

With annual electricity consumption of around 10GWh (the equivalent of between 1,500 to 2,000 homes), Melbourne Polytechnic’s energy needs extend far beyond powering classrooms and computers. It enables specialist learning environments, including construction and manufacturing workshops, robotics labs, simulation spaces, animal care and horticulture facilities, commercial kitchens, theatres and training restaurants. It also supports the institute’s centres of excellence, where students work with cutting-edge technology to build skills for the clean economy.

Electricity is Melbourne Polytechnic’s largest source of operational emissions. On 1 July, Melbourne Polytechnic took a major step, becoming one of the first education providers to power its ‘large sites’ with 100% renewable electricity via SEC.

This is part of Melbourne Polytechnic’s work to reach its strategic goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040.

SEC General Manager, Customer Suzanne Retschko said SEC was proud to partner with Melbourne Polytechnic and supply 100% renewable electricity to power its campuses.

“Education providers like Melbourne Polytechnic play a critical role in preparing Victoria’s workforce for the renewable energy transition, and this partnership supports both emissions reduction today, and skills development for the future,” Ms Retschko said.

Melbourne Polytechnic Chief Executive Frances Coppolillo said the move marks an important milestone in the institute’s commitment to sustainability and preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow.

“At Melbourne Polytechnic, we equip students with the skills to power a clean economy and thrive in industries undergoing rapid transformation,” said Ms Coppolillo.

“Sustainability is embedded in everything we do, from renewable energy to the way we design and adapt our campuses.”

Ms Coppolillo said the partnership highlights how Melbourne Polytechnic is delivering on its responsibilities as a leading education provider, while driving positive outcomes for Victoria’s clean economy workforce.

At the Heidelberg campus, the Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence and Clean Economy Skills Labs are pioneering new sustainability courses in partnership with industry, while the well-established Green Skills Centre at Epping campus teaches students passive design, solar technologies, robotics, 3D printing and greywater systems.

Melbourne Polytechnic has also embedded sustainability across its campuses and operations through rooftop solar, LED lighting upgrades, energy-efficient buildings, fleet electrification, water and waste reduction programs, and circular design projects. Its campuses give students hands-on experience in sustainability practices, connecting their learning to career pathways and preparing them for jobs in Victoria’s clean economy workforce.

In 2024, Melbourne Polytechnic reopened its revitalised Collingwood campus, now Victoria’s first all-electric TAFE campus. It replaced gas systems with electric alternatives, as well as avoiding 2,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions and diverting 18,000 tonnes of waste from landfill through adaptive re-use of an existing building.

SEC is committed to driving the state’s renewable energy future, while supporting local jobs and helping campuses remain sustainable for generations to come. As demand for greener skills and practices continues to grow, SEC is proud to lead the way - showcasing Victoria as a place where sustainability and education go hand in hand.

Learn more about SEC’s commitment to renewable generation here.