2019 Sustainability Report released

The University of Melbourne’s 2019 Sustainability Report has been released.

This is the University’s fifth annual Sustainability Report and identifies progress on the targets and priority actions of the Sustainability Plan 2017–2020.

The report covers activities across research, teaching and learning, engagement, operations and governance, and illustrates the breadth and depth of our work through case studies drawn from across the University.

2019 marks a year of significant progress in the delivery of strategic priorities for sustainability, with a wide range of activities including:

  • the launch of the Sustainability Fellows program to integrate sustainability knowledge and values at a disciplinary level
  • University-wide breadth subjects engaging students on significant global sustainability issues
  • academic leadership in partnerships, public dialogue and research on the challenge of climate change
  • the planning of large-scale building energy upgrades informed by University researchers
  • the first full reusable tableware service for food and beverage diners at Parkville campus
  • embedding sustainability principles in the design and development of University buildings and precincts
  • commencement of University-wide biodiversity baseline data collection
  • on-campus events and activities, which involved hundreds of volunteers and thousands of participants, including the Green Impact program, Choose to Reuse Plate Program and sustainability tours
  • recognition of our efforts through regional and global higher education awards.

Read the 2019 Sustainability Report

We're not slowing down in 2020. The University has already received a range of awards and certifications in 2020 including two six star Green Star certified buildings, Sustainable Architecture awards and nominations from both the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and Australian Institute of Architects, and recognition in the Green Impact Australasia Awards.

The University will continue to work towards achieving the targets in the Sustainability Plan for the remainder of 2020, while developing a new plan for 2021–2025.

This new plan will be guided by the principles of Advancing Melbourne, the University’s institutional strategy for 2020–2030.

For more information on the University’s sustainability strategy and reporting, visit Our Commitment.

More Information

Clare Walker

walkerc@unimelb.edu.au