Previous Strategies and Results

The University's first Sustainability Plan reduced emissions and helped foster a sustainable campus culture by investing in low-carbon infrastructure and supporting sustainability-related campaigns and events.

Campus Sustainability Plan (2016-2020)

Highlights include:

  • Direct greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 18%.
  • 1.85MW of renewable energy installed on campus.
  • Roseworthy solar farm and battery system powering 42% of the campuses electricity needs.
  • 40% landfill diversion rate.
  • 70+ on-campus and online events hosted.

View the Plan

Progress report 2017-2018  Progress report 2019-2020

Target progress summary

Target 2020 status Outcome Comment
15% reduction in energy intensity (GJ/GFA m2) by 2020 (2014 baseline) 18% reduction in energy intensity (GJ/GFA m2)

Achieved

Energy consumption (particularly electricity and stationary fuel) was down significantly due to a combination of less activity on campus, renewable energy installations and energy-efficient building retro-fits. The pandemic helped the University surpass this target through reduced occupancy on campus in 2020.
2MW of renewable energy installed by 2020 1.85MW installed, additional 150kW at Waite Campus pending approval

Underway

Two rooftop solar projects are pending approval which will add 150kW to our campus total and allow us to reach the 2MW target.
Reduce landfill per person to 35kg per person (EFTSL+FTE) 27kg per person

Achieved

Landfill diversion has steadily increased through increased recycling, total waste generation has been in decline for 4 years running.
Maintain water consumption per person at 14kL per person (EFTSL+FTE) 14kL per person

Achieved

Water consumption remained steady with a focus on sustainable irrigation practices and recycled water sources in 2020.
10% annual increase in staff participation in Ecoversity program initiatives (2015 baseline) 541% annual increase on previous year 

Achieved

In response to the pandemic, the Ecoversity program moved online where 18,000 individuals engaged with sustainability activities. This highlights the strong demand for sustainability within the University community.
10% annual increase in procurement of sustainable ethically sourced office supplies on campus (2015 baseline) 5% annual decrease on previous year

Not achieved

Office purchasing was significantly down in 2020 due to increased working from home. Sustainable and ethical purchases represented 34% of total spend vs. 39% in 2019. 
Colour Key

Mid blue

Underway and on target

Pale blue

Achieved and fully implemented

Black

Not yet begun or target not achieved