Here for good - Sustainability Update

The University has made significant progress on its sustainability initiatives. In 2023, we accomplished eight targets from our Sustainability Strategy 2030 – Here for good. These include the development of a sustainable investment policy, planning for the transition to a low-carbon vehicle fleet, and recruitment of top-talent researchers in sustainability. Read about how we’re tracking on the Sustainability website.

Our objectives ahead of the new Adelaide University include: 

• Increasing the number of sustainability-focused research programs, projects, and publications annually
• Annually identifying opportunities to integrate language and cultural education into the campus environment through art and place-making elements, including dual place names for entrances, key locations, and buildings
• Enhancing the energy performance of campus buildings year-on-year through retrofits and thermal and lighting control policies (GJ/GFAm² and GJ/FTE)
• Divesting from direct ownership and any commingled funds involving public equities and corporate bonds of companies primarily engaged in fossil fuel exploitation by the end of 2024 (‘primary business’ is defined by a 10% revenue threshold)
• Developing Sustainability Ethics Guidelines for Research by the end of 2024 to ensure the social, ethical, and cultural context and implications of research are thoroughly considered
• Developing and endorsing Campus Water Systems and Climate Resilience Plans by 2025
• Achieving net zero emissions from directly controlled operations by 2025
• Developing and endorsing a Campus Greening Plan and a Campus Biodiversity Plan by 2025, which will include new plantings on campus with a preference for local Kaurna species
• Diverting all food waste from landfill and achieving at least a 50% overall waste diversion rate by 2025.

The remaining 25 targets outlined in the Here for good strategy will be vigorously advocated for as Adelaide University formulates its own sustainability commitments. The University of Adelaide remains dedicated to accelerating the environmental, social, and technological changes necessary to ensure a sustainable future for future generations. We look forward to the opportunity to work with UniSA staff and students on this critical and complex challenge as we work together in preparation for the new Adelaide University. For further information please visit adelaide.edu.au/sustainability or email sustainability@adelaide.edu.au