UNSW shines in Green Globe awards

25 November 2004

The Minister for Energy and Utilities, Frank Sartor, awarded the University of New South Wales two 'Green Globe' awards for its efforts in promoting sustainable energy at this week's Energy and Water Green Globe Awards.

"I congratulate the University for its leadership in developing the renewable energy sector here in our own backyard," said Mr Sartor.

The Centre for Photovoltaic Engineering at UNSW won an award for its Bachelor of Engineering in Photovoltaic and Solar Energy Engineering (PVSEE). The award was accepted by Dr Richard Corkish, head of the Centre. Professor Deo Prasad of the Faculty of Built Environment was awarded the Renewable Energy Champion Green Globe Award.

The University accepted the first students into the Bachelor of Engineering in Photovoltaic and Solar Energy Engineering in 2000 and now there are 103 students enrolled across the four-year degree.

Graduates have gone on to employment in all sectors of renewable energy, and some to further research.

"The research group at UNSW has been at the forefront of many advances in solar cells, commercialising two globally important technologies".

"Now with the degree course in place, this expertise and experience is being passed on to a group of highly committed students", said Mr Sartor.

Associate Professor Deo Prasad of the Solarch Centre has been involved in milestone projects in sustainable building development including Australia's first Solar Village in Bonnyrigg, the Sydney Olympics, and the Solar Kogarah apartment development.

Professor Prasad headed the House Energy Rating Management Body for five years while more than 220 small businesses working in accreditation and energy assessment of dwellings were established.

Mr Sartor described him as a "tireless champion of solar power as a legitimate alternative, combined with energy efficient building."