La Trobe University (LTU) was established in 1967 and is Victoria’s only state-wide university, boasting seven campuses across Melbourne, regional Victoria and Sydney. With over 36,000 students, LTU is in the top 1% of universities worldwide. Its 235-hectare Bundoora campus holds a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating and is set to transform into a world-class University City of the Future. In 2023, LTU launched its first Green Bond offering, valued at AUS $175 million. Under La Trobe University’s Sustainable Finance Framework, Green Bonds and Green Loans are considered under Use of Proceeds transactions and are aligned with the Green Bond Principles (GBP) and Green Loan Principles (GLP), and are certified with the Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme (if applicable). Green Bonds and Green Loans entered into under this framework will be exclusively applied to finance or refinance new and/or existing eligible green projects including green buildings, renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, and pollution prevention and control.
La Trobe University engaged DNV to provide an external review in the form of a Second Party Opinion on the Sustainable Finance Framework to confirm alignment with the GBP, GLP and the Climate Bonds Standard.
North and South apartments
The 624-bed North and South Apartments provide high quality accommodation for students living at the Bundoora Campus. The project received a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built v1.2 rating and resulted in a 76% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from being constructed out of 4,100 cubic metres of mass engineered Cross-Laminated Timber compared to a concrete structure. Other eco-friendly elements include high performance glazing, LED lighting, water efficient fixtures and fittings, 100% outdoor air ventilation and a rooftop solar system. Net Zero Program In 2019, LTU made an ambitious commitment to become carbon neutral by 2029. Its four regional campuses achieved the landmark milestone of being certified carbon neutral in 2022. A range of projects have already been completed in energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, waste
management and sustainable transport. Across its campuses, LTU has over 5MW of solar capacity, has upgraded 40,000 light fittings, installed electric vehicle
chargers and is transitioning fleet vehicles to EVs. LTU is also building Victoria’s largest urban solar farm with a 2.5 MW/4.5MWh battery and is completing building-wide projects under an extensive electrification program.
La Trobe sports stadium
The La Trobe Sports Stadium was Australia’s first sports building to be awarded a 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built v1.2 rating. It includes sport science and analytics research laboratories, a six-court indoor stadium and office space. Key environmental features include 1,104 rooftop solar panels generating 519 kW, water efficient fixtures and controls, natural ventilation, water-sensitive urban design, integrated waste management, green groundskeeping and a reflective white roof.