What is happening?
People counting technology is being installed at a height above two metres, for example on ceilings. The information collected by the technology will help us better understand how the spaces on campus are used now and in the future.
What are people counting sensors?
People counting sensors are devices that count the number of people accessing spaces, such as classrooms and meeting rooms, to monitor room occupancy in real-time.
When is it happening?
Installation of the people counting sensors will start in May 2023.
How does it affect me?
The people counting sensors will not affect anyone. The footage collected from the camera sensors cannot identify the individuals entering the spaces. The anonymised data looks like this:
Q&A
What are people counting sensors?
People counting sensors are devices that count the number of people accessing spaces, such as classrooms and meeting rooms, to monitor room occupancy in real-time.
Why does UNSW need to count people?
UNSW is committed to enhancing the learning environment and optimising the use of spaces on campuses. To provide the best facilities for current and future students and to allocate resources to improve them, UNSW needs to understand how many people use the spaces on campuses. There are also benefits for sustainability and efficiency: we can optimise the use of air-conditioning and lighting to reduce power consumption.
Can the sensors identify who I am?
No. When you enter the space your presence is counted and recorded on a heat map only.
Who is collecting the data?
Estate Management, UNSW Division of Operations.
Where will the data be stored?
All data collected are stored securely on on-site UNSW server infrastructure.
Can students’ attendance in classes be recorded?
No-one can be identified by the sensors and therefore attendance can’t be recorded.
Will this affect students’ grades?
No, this will not affect students’ grades.
More information
For more information on this project please contact Estate Management at estate@unsw.edu.au.
Ready about the University’s Privacy Policy on the UNSW website.