Sustainability and environment

We take a universal approach to sustainability, considering the physical environment we operate in, as well as our people, practices and research.

Advances in technology offer enormous potential to improve sustainability outcomes. Much of our research is focussed on one or more aspects of sustainability and, increasingly, this research and its real-world application has the potential to transform lives and create more sustainable outcomes, both for individuals and society.

Sustainability concepts are progressively being established within the curriculum in all disciplines, in the design and construction of our on-campus environment, and in how we manage our campuses.

Sustainability Development Goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are designed to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, protect the environment and address climate change. Governments, businesses and civil society together with the United Nations are mobilising efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Agenda by 2030 — a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity.

Swinburne is a signatory to the University Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. We are now part of Australia/Pacific Regional Network of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). The SDSN aims to bring its members together to develop and promote solutions, policies and public education for sustainable development.

Our commitment to the SDGs focuses on recognition and commitment to the following areas:

• the enormous social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the world
• future development that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable
• the vital role universities can play in achieving a sustainable future through teaching, research, and operations.
  

Swinburne’s carbon neutral commitment

In 2019, Swinburne made a commitment to being carbon neutral by 2025. The pledge – championed by our Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascale Quester – has resulted in a number of initiatives to reduce emissions across our campuses. This is being achieved through our operations, building and construction, procurement and research endeavours.

To ensure we meet this target, a cross-functional team is investigating, developing and prioritising further initiatives to decarbonise our operations. Opportunities to leverage sustainability focused research, partnerships and curriculums are also top of mind.

Learn about our progress on our carbon neutral commitment.