UNSW is a finalist in the 2009 Banksia Environmental Awards, in recognition of its work to create a more environmentally sustainable campus.

The University has been nominated in the inaugural Environmental Services Award category for setting new standards in natural resource conservation and environmental impact mitigation through major initiatives in the areas of water, waste and energy.

A major campus infrastructure development, the Village Green Percolation Chamber, returns 160 million litres of stormwater, the equivalent of 64 Olympic swimming pools, to the Botany Sands Aquifer each year.

A state-of-the-art photovoltaic array, covering the roof of the main Quadrangle building, provides enough energy to run the equivalent of 300 computers on campus every day, saving more than 80,000kg of greenhouse gas emissions each year. The alternative energy scheme uses UNSW's own patented buried contact solar cells.

"This is great recognition for us as environmental leaders in the Australian tertiary education sector," said Paul Osmond, Environmental Unit Manager.

"In complements our strong reputation in teaching and research across a range of sustainability areas. Our campus credentials show that we walk the talk."

The national Banksia Environmental Foundation Awards are regarded as the most prestigious environmental prizes in Australia. The full list of finalists is available on the Banksia Foundation's website. Winners will be announced on 24 July.

Media contact: Denise Knight | 02 9385 8920 | d.knight@unsw.edu.au