Overall status of targets across 'The Campus' activity area. For a full report of progress against these targets click here. |
Energy and emissions
ProgressThe University committed to net zero emissions from electricity by 2021 and carbon neutrality before 2030. We are on track to achieve our net zero emissions from electricity by 2021 target and are mapping our pathway to achieve carbon neutrality before 2030. Electricity represents the University’s largest source of emissions, at over 60 per cent. |
For a full report of progress against these targets click here. |
Future directions
The University’s focus is now on addressing our scope 1 and scope 3 emissions, with new Plan development activity incorporating a revised roadmap for carbon neutrality. Work is underway to map pathways and revised timelines for achieving certified carbon neutrality.
Highlights to date
Wind-generated PPAs deliver net zero electricity emissions (2017-2021)
- Two consortium-based Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) negotiated in 2017 enabled construction of wind farms at Murra Warra and Crowlands in 2018
- Renewable electricity generated will enable the University to reach its 2021 net zero electricity emissions target
On-campus renewable energy & demand reduction projects (2017 – 2020)
- 10,000 solar panels (3MW) installed on 38 campus buildings, equivalent to powering 462 homes, with 3,445 tonnes of CO2 saved annually
- Smart Campus Energy Upgrades (2019 – 2022), $45.6m capital investment to improve University building efficiency. Projected savings of 18-25 GWh and 19 – 26,000 tonnes CO2 annually
- Clean Energy Finance Corporation projects (2016-2018) continue to deliver 3 GWh of annual energy savings
Waste reduction
ProgressIn 2020 waste to landfill dropped well below plan targets, but this was as a direct result of the move to a virtual campus. In 2019 our landfill waste still averaged 29kg per person, exceeding the Plan’s 20kg target - so there is still much work to do. |
For a full report of progress against these targets click here. |
Future directions
Reduction and re-use is at the forefront of waste reduction conversations across the University and pivotal to current and future action for improving waste management practices. Development work for the new Plan is focused on implementing circular economy principles as a driver for strong, progressive action and as a measure of the University’s future performance.
Highlights to date
Choose to Reuse Plate Program at Parkville’s Union House (2019 – 2020):
- Diverted 331,413 single use items from landfill in 18 months post-launch. Union House waste reduced 30 percent
- First initiative of this type and size at an Australasian institution. Won the 2020 Green Gown Award for ‘Creating Impact’
- Choose to Reuse Events Service launched March 2020
Furniture & Equipment Re-use Service (2017 – 2020):
- Enables 18,362 items to be reused, diverting 366,162 kg of waste from landfill during the Plan period. Results in $9.85 million savings.
- Since it’s 2012 launch, the service has diverted a total of 618 tonnes of waste and delivered 27,000 items for re-use.
Climate mitigation and resilience
ProgressOur approach to climate risk has matured from an asset-focused approach to one that considers University assets as enablers of outcomes, such as quality experiences for our campus communities. Climate adaptation plans have been completed for Parkville and Fishermans Bend campuses, as well as all major infrastructure developments since 2018. Risk screening has been completed for Dookie, Burnley, Creswick and Werribee campuses. |
For a full report of progress against these targets click here. |
Future directions
Improving the ways in which the University understands and addresses its climate impacts and risks is expected to be an area of focus under the new Plan.
Highlights to date
Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne (2020-2021). University collaborates with Victorian Dept. of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to understand and address the climate-related vulnerability of international students, informing strategy development.
Water
ProgressThe University reached its water use reduction target in 2019. Increased non-potable water use and the integration of water harvesting and re-use initiatives into new infrastructure developments were our main pathways to achieving this target. |
For a full report of progress against these targets click here. |
Future directions
Water reduction and re-use technologies will continue to be implemented as our campuses evolve.
Supply chain and procurement
ProgressThe University spends around $1 billion annually through its suppliers. We've made good progress operationalising protocols that minimise harm and maximise positive social and environmental outcomes through our procurement processes. In 2018, the University met its commitments under Fairtrade certification and implemented a supplier code of conduct. In 2019-2020, the University’s social procurement framework, incorporating the University's response to modern slavery, was developed and implemented. |
For a full report of progress against these targets click here. |
Future directions
Development work for the new Plan will focus on integrating just economy principles as a driver for strong, progressive action through our procurement processes and supply chains.
Highlights to date
University Executive endorsed a commitment to implement a social procurement framework and response to modern slavery (2019-2020). First modern slavery statementsubmitted in 2020.
University moves to 100 percent Fairtrade kitchen consumables and 100 percent recycled copy paper (2018)
University signs up to Supply Nation, established to connect members to Indigenous businesses Australia-wide (2017)
Travel and transport
ProgressOur emissions reduction targets for fleet vehicle and staff air travel have been achieved, although pandemic-related travel restrictions in 2020 contributed to the latter outcome. Remaining fleet and flight emissions were 100 percent offset in 2020. Completion of a Sustainable Transport Plan was our one unmet target in this category. |
For a full report of progress against these targets click here. |
‘Travel and transport’ refers to staff and student commuting behaviours, and the University’s scope of action under the Plan includes encouraging student and staff uptake of active and/or sustainable transport options. Outreach and enabling initiatives - such as improved end-of-trip facilities for cyclists and the University’s regular ‘Ride to Uni’ events – have also underpinned Plan progress in this area.
Future directions
Videoconference-enabled alternatives to conference-related air travel have become our ‘new normal’. Embedding this change beyond the pandemic is an opportunity to address our greatest source of transport-related emissions – and encourage other organisations to do likewise.
Highlights to date
Pool of University fleet vehicles reduced by 31 percent (2017 – 2020)
Car parking spaces on Parkville campus reduced 19 percent, replaced with bike parks (2017 – 2020)
Buildings
ProgressThe University uses the Green Building Council Australia’s (GBCA) Green Star rating scheme to guide the sustainability of its new infrastructure and demonstrate leadership in sustainable design and construction. Under the Plan, Green Star ratings have been achieved on several major projects, reaching national excellence and world leadership status under the GBCA’s rating system. |
For a full report of progress against these targets click here. |
Future directions
Sustainability is a core pillar of Parkville’s New Student Precinct (NSP). The NSP is scheduled for majority completion by early 2022 and has integrated sustainability across design, construction and student-led Precinct activations. Eight Sustainability Principles to inform design were co-developed in partnership with NSP end-users, our students. An Environmentally Sustainable Design strategy for the NSP was developed in partnership with Aurecon. The NSP will deliver a minimum 6 star Green Star ‘Design and as Built’ rating for all new buildings and 5 star rating for existing buildings within the Precinct.
The University’s new campus at Fishermans Bend offers an unprecedented opportunity to embed sustainability into our built environment, and advance sustainable infrastructure far beyond the borders of our estate. Through the GBCA’s Early Access Program, the Fishermans Bend project will test ways for Green Star rated buildings to reach greater levels of sustainability and help evolve the rating tool to meet the challenges of the coming decade.
Highlights to date
6 Star Green Star ‘Design & As Built’ ratings achieved for Werribee’s Teaching & Learning Building and Parkville’s Western Edge Biosciences Building (2020). The GBCA’s 6-Star rating is deemed world leadership standard.
6 Star ‘Green Star Communities’ rating achieved for Parkville campus (2017)
Biodiversity
ProgressConsiderable work has been undertaken since 2019 to retrospectively progress our unmet targets. The recruitment of a dedicated Project Officer, supported by student interns, has subsequently enabled strong progress. Biodiversity data collection is now expected to be complete by the end of 2021. |
For a full report of progress against these targets click here. |
Future directions
Data collection and analysis will inform biodiversity-related priorities and targets in the new Sustainability Plan and future Biodiversity Management Plans. Campus biodiversity data will also serve as a valuable teaching and learning resource and improve the way we manage our campus landscapes to support and increase biodiversity.
Highlights to date
Bees@Unimelb wins in the 'Creating Impact' Category at Green Gown Awards Australasia (2019)
The University releases its first Biodiversity Management Plan (2017)
Tree Temperature Vulnerability Assessment at Parkville campus (2017). Findings inform climate adaptation planning and landscape management decisions