The Sustainable Communities and Waste (SCaW) Hub leader, Prof Veena Sahajwalla, has officially opened the Discovery Centre (including the Sustainability Learning Centre) at St Philip’s College in Alice Springs. The Centre opening and free public talk drew over 500 attendees from the local area. The centre’s objectives align with the SCaW Hub’s impact areas which include sustainable communities, remote and regional solutions and viewing waste as a resource. The event took place on Tuesday 18 June, 2024 and marks a step forward in sustainable education and community engagement in the Northern Territory.
Connection with the Hub
As the Hub leader and Director of the UNSW Smart Centre, Prof Veena has pioneered research that transforms waste materials into resources. She was invited to open the centre due to her passion for sustainability, innovation in the field and her commitment to educating the next generation of sustainability leaders. She used the opportunity to champion the Hub’s research and the sustainability impact it is generating.
A Culturally Informed Learning Space
Located in the heart of Alice Springs, the state-of-the-art facility embodies a philosophy of building within the environment rather than imposing upon it. The Discovery Centre stands as a symbol of innovation and sustainability in Alice Springs. It also reflects the impact areas of the SCaW Hub by fostering a culture of learning, innovation and environmental stewardship.
Features and Facilities
The Discovery Centre represents the largest construction project undertaken by St Philip’s College in recent years. Key features include:
- Interactive Technologies: The latest in educational technology, including 3D printers and laser cutters, ensures that students have access to cutting-edge tools.
- Inclusive Design: The facility is accessible and supports students with diverse learning and physical needs.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The building has a 75kW solar power system that meets approximately 15% of the school’s electricity requirements. This brings the amount of renewable energy produced by the College to 40%.
Community Impact and Engagement
The opening of the Discovery Centre drew hundreds of attendees who were eager to witness this new chapter in the College’s history. Professor Veena’s address highlighted the importance of recycling and sustainability, emphasising that everyone has a role to play in protecting our planet. Her free public talk provided deeper insights into the innovative projects in the SCaW Hub and the UNSW Smart Centre.
Summary
SCaW Hub leader, Prof Veena, recently inaugurated the Discovery Centre and its Sustainability Learning Centre at St Philip’s College in Alice Springs. This aligns with the Hub’s goals of promoting sustainable communities in remote and regional areas who view waste as a resource. The Centre features cutting-edge educational technologies and stands as a model of innovation and education, reflecting the Hub’s commitment to sustainability research and community engagement.
