Sustainability
Vision
The University of Canberra’s commitment to sustainability is founded on the desire of our community — students, staff, and other stakeholders — to walk with a light touch; to preserve and nurture our environs; to leave our world in a better state than we found it. As an organisation focused on the future — teaching and research to improve the world — environmental sustainability is a natural part of our commitment to provide a better future. Sustainability is not just about helping to avert climate change; it is about an overall commitment to stewardship of our world and its precious resources.
Context
As a leader in our community, and as a signatory to the Talloires Declaration, the University of Canberra is committed to incorporating sustainability and environmental literacy in teaching, research, operations and outreach, and to take real action towards a sustainable future that supports generations to come. Our vision is underpinned by six principles:
- Learning for life
- Open and consultative
- Shared responsibility
- Leadership and innovation
- Informed decision making
- Global and long-term commitment
Direction
The Master Plan addresses sustainability, highlighting ambitions for the campus within the environmental sustainability realm.
- Develop a reporting framework to measure, manage and benchmark progress against sustainability targets set in an updated sustainability strategy.
- Adopt an ambitious net-zero emissions target in line with comparable institutions.
- Recognise First Nations’ millennia-long continuous occupation of, and ongoing connection to country through integrating reconciliation actions at all levels of the Master Plan.
- Adopt UN Sustainable Development Goals as a principle guiding framework and reporting mechanism.
- Adopt a campus awareness education plan as part of the sustainability strategy.
