University net zero

By Libby Hogarth 

The University of Adelaide is proud to announce that we have achieved net zero emissions across our directly controlled operations, fulfilling a core commitment of our Here for good Sustainability Strategy. 

Achieving net zero operations means that the greenhouse gas emissions from our directly controlled activities are now fully balanced by removing an equivalent amount of emissions from the atmosphere. This includes our emissions from natural gas, refrigerants, transport fuels, agriculture, electricity, waste, water, and energy transmission losses — collectively known as Scope 1, Scope 2, and operational Scope 3 emissions. 

Since 2010, the University has reduced its operational emissions by 52%, thanks to investment in on-campus sustainability initiatives and the decarbonisation of South Australia’s electricity grid. This achievement is the result of purpose-driven collaboration across our entire University community. Staff and students have taken meaningful actions, such as installing solar panels and batteries, reducing single-use plastics, upgrading lighting, harvesting rainwater, and electrifying infrastructure. 

To balance our remaining emissions, we have purchased carbon offsets from Greening Australia, a not-for-profit organisation. The University has purposefully chosen projects that remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it long-term, support biodiversity and habitat restoration, and where possible, invest in South Australia’s growing low-carbon economy. These environmental planting and forestry projects are located at the Coorong, the Eyre Peninsula, and in Western Australia. 

Climate change and biodiversity loss are no longer distant threats — they are urgent realities. As we transition toward the new Adelaide University, we remain steadfast in our mission: to equip future generations with the knowledge, skills, and solutions to lead in a changing world. 

Our amalgamation marks not only a structural transformation but also an opportunity to shape a bold, unified sustainability agenda. Establishing this agenda will take time and meaningful consultation. But our direction is clear: we will continue to foster purposeful collaboration internally and externally, extend our impact beyond campus boundaries, and work closely with strategic partners to address one of the most complex challenges of our time. 

Libby Hogarth is the University’s Manager - Sustainability Strategy in the office of the Chief Operating Officer