Green Star communities

We were the first University to achieve a six-star Green Star Communities rating for Parkville campus, equating to world leadership, in 2017.

Recognising that environmental action and liveability are important to staff and students, achieving a Communities rating demonstrated University-wide commitment to best practice sustainability.

The Green Star Communities certification is given to communities, precincts and neighbourhoods that prioritise environmental sustainability while balancing liveability, innovation, good governance and economic prosperity. The GBCA assesses the planning, design and construction of projects across these areas.

What makes Parkville campus a six-star Green Star rated community?

• The University’s commitment to zero net carbon emissions from electricity by 2021 and carbon neutrality before 2030.
• First university in Australia to undertake a nitrogen footprint of its operations
• First university in Australia to use the Green Impact sustainability engagement program
• Recognition of all the planning and activities that the University does to foster the health and well-being of staff, students and visitors, including:
  • Tobacco free campus
  • Tools and training to support better mental health
  • Extensive sport and fitness facilities
  • Infrastructure and promotion of cycling
  • Green spaces
  • Access to medical, dental, optical and mental health services
  • Safer Community Program
• The Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Plan created as part of the Communities rating for Parkville will become an integral part of a University-wide climate change adaptation plan
• Recognition of the University's extensive digital infrastructure and the Smart Campus analytics overlay to enable better informed decision-making
• Recognition of how the University makes sustainability meaningful for staff, students and visitors through surveys and consultation, and promotes the outcomes and benefits.
• Recognition of how the University uses its campus as a living lab: a demonstrator for course-work students and a test-bed for researchers.

We are working to stay true to this rating as the Parkville campus and surrounds go through a period of unprecedented development, including the Melbourne Metro Project, New Student Precinct, Carlton Connect Initiative and Engineering School works amongst others.