Sustainability at JCH

In 2008 the College conducted a sustainability audit with the help of professional consultants including Expiscor and Energy Conservation Systems. In the decade since, JCH has consistently sought to reduce its carbon footprint by installing new technology and implementing environmentally friendly initiatives. These include:

• Solar panels and battery storage;
• Solar hot water and seasonal hydronic heating (50% reduction in carbon emissions);
• 'Second generation' water saving shower heads;
• Water saving dripper system and garden mulching beds;
• Water catchment and storage system in the garden;
• Energy saving lighting and external photocell sensor-switches;
• Increased number of outside clothes lines along with energy efficient laundries;
• Recycling program within the student Work Scheme program e.g. paper, bottles, soft plastic, batteries and e-waste system;
• College vegetable garden and community tree planting initiatives;
• Joint GAIA composting system with Trinity College (70+ tonnes diverted from landfill annually);
• Double brick insulated heritage building with large ceiling cavities means only a handful of six-star energy efficient split-systems are needed through the college i.e. rooftop cavity bedrooms;
• Double glazed windows in Henderson House; and
• Sustainability awareness guest speakers invited by both the Student Club and the College.

The greatest single reduction in the carbon footprint of the College will come about through greater awareness, on the part of students and staff, about the damaging effects of carbon production and the need to moderate energy consumption. Collective behaviour change and continued discussions with experts will help to ensure our College is supporting the environment, and our community, for generations to come.

In 2021 we will be undergoing a climate friendly courtyard redevelopment project. Stay tuned for more updates.