The University of Sydney’s bold eco-friendly campus policies and programs set a new gold standard for schools combatting climate change. It’s a commitment that saw the prestigious tertiary institution break into the top 20 universities in the QS rankings earlier this year, with its campuses ranked equal first for sustainability in Australia and fifth overall worldwide.
Australia’s oldest university beat some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including Harvard and Cambridge, and proved its unwavering focus on sustainability and implementation of climate-friendly practices that should serve as a blueprint for other institutions across the globe.
“We are building a generation of students who will learn personal, social and professional skills that contribute to the development of a sustainable future,” said University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott.
“We put sustainability at the heart of our campus operations, environments and engagement activities and we welcomed the opportunity to participate in these inaugural rankings to demonstrate accountability and transparency in our broad and global commitment to sustainability.”
A University of Sydney spokesperson told EducationDaily the outstanding result shows the passion shared by their staff and students – and reinforces how they contribute to the public good.
“We are committed to advancing sustainability across our research, education and operations and were thrilled to be recognised as a leader,” the spokesperson says.
Creating a sustainable campus
The recognition has been achieved by the university’s use of renewable energies, groundbreaking green technologies and eco-friendly initiatives – measures that ensure it showcases genuine sustainability in action.
Reliance on 100% renewable electricity
In 2022, the university signed a five-year contract with Red Energy to source 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources. In 2023, the campuses have reached this goal three years ahead of schedule, bringing the university one step closer to reaching its target of net zero emissions by 2030.
Today, all university activities are powered by solar energy. Rooftop solar systems are currently installed on 23 university buildings, generating more than one megawatt hours(1000 kilowatts) of solar energy annually. Campuses also feature smart solar benches, which aim to extend lighting zones without the reliance on mains infrastructure.
Organic waste biodigester
Chester, an innovative closed-loop organic biodigester, is currently installed at the university’s Camperdown/ Darlington Campus. Recycling food, coffee and tea waste, animal bedding, street sweepings, compostable coffee cups and food packaging into garden compost, this aerobic machine diverts up to 182 tonnes of organic waste from landfill each year.
Water conservation initiatives
Sydney campuses utilise smart irrigation systems across their Camperdown/Darlington Campus to minimise water wastage when watering the extensive gardens. They also employ water-sensitive urban design and infrastructure in buildings and grounds to recapture storm water.
‘Better Recycling, Less Waste’ campaign
The Better Recycling, Less Waste campaign has been an ongoing initiative at the university since 2015. By centralising waste collection, this program has saved approximately 50o thousand bin liners and taken recycling rates from 69 per cent to 80 per cent.
In 2022, the university also introduced the Green Caffeen reusable cup program across their campuses. To date, their community has saved 3372 single-use cups from landfill, the equivalent of 34 wheelie bins worth of cups.
Indigenous landscape initiatives
The Walanga Wingara Mura Design Principles were introduced in 2016 to bring more Indigenous fauna and flora to the university’s campuses.
Since then, the Open Spaces Team have continually sourced local flora for gardens and green spaces – an initiative that has seen the team introduce more than 500,000 native plants, shrubs and grasses used across the campuses. Of more than 2000 trees, approximately 1400 are native.
Prioritising sustainability research
Under their 2022 sustainability strategy, researchers are continually breaking new ground in sustainability-related disciplines. Putting world-leading research into practice provides new opportunities for students inside their living labs, including energy generation and storage, supply chain analysis, biodiversity and climate science.
“Our ambitious 2032 Strategy deepens our commitment to embedding sustainability and caring for Country in all we do, working with First Nations knowledge and history for a future that is better and more just for all,” they told EducationDaily.
