Our Progress
Since 2010, the University has reduced operational emissions by 52%.
How we've reduced emissions
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The University’s 2024CY operational carbon account equals 25,113 tonnes CO2-e (Scope 1, Scope 2 and operational Scope 3).
This represents a 52% reduction in operational emissions since the 2010 baseline year, and a 5% decrease from the previous calendar year.
The greening of the South Australian grid has had a significant impact on the reduction of purchased electricity emissions. On-site renewable energy, electrification/degasification, energy efficiency projects and waste and recycling initiatives have also contributed to the decarbonisation of University campuses.
Key projects
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Kick ya bin
Beginning in 2012, the University has rolled out its ‘Kick ya Bin’ recycling program to all university campuses and sites. Starting with a 7% landfill diversion rate in 2009, the University invested in source separation systems, new signage and building-specific information for staff and students. The rollout involved staff ‘kicking’ their under-desk bin in place of centralised recycling facilities. This program was completed over several years and has led to a 51% landfill diversion rate in 2024.
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Vet School composting
In 2012 the Vet School initiated a new composting system for organic animal waste to reduce waste to landfill. The enclosed aerobic composting unit turns animal waste into fertilisers and landscape products. In 2024, this system supported the campus in composting over 36 tonnes of waste.
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Badger Laboratory upgrade
The University upgraded the mechanical and electrical building services in the Badger Laboratory in 2015 to improve energy efficiency and control strategies. This investment contributed to 1,578 GJ energy savings per year and provided new life to a 1950s building.
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North Terrace lighting retrofits
In 2015 and 2019 the University invested in LED lighting upgrades to improve the energy efficiency and light quality in campus buildings including the Hughes, Engineering South, Oliphant, Kenneth Wills and Helen Mayo North and South. These retrofits represent over 3,172 individual light replacements.
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Solar projects
North Terrace Campus Rooftop Solar
Since 2018, the University has installed roof top solar systems on a range of campus buildings totalling 264kW generating capacity. The largest system is a 99kW solar system installed on Barr Smith South.
Waite Campus Rooftop Solar
In 2019 and 2022 the Waite Campus had solar panels installed across five building rooftops creating 453kW of generating capacity. In 2024, these systems generated almost 12% of the campuses electricity needs.
Roseworthy Solar Farm
A 1.2MW solar farm and two large batteries provides the Campus with around 43% of its energy needs each year. The battery systems include both lithium-ion and vanadium chemistry to support the renewable energy system with a micro-grid controller. See further information about this large-scale sustainability project installed on campus in 2021.
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Water harvesting at Waite
In 2020, the Plant Genomics Building had two 22,500L rainwater tanks installed. The tanks act to collect rainwater for the irrigation of research crops near the building. This project was spearheaded by researchers in the building from the Wheat Research Hub to reduce reliance on potable water sources.
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Compostables on campus
In 2021, the university launched the Compostables on Campus campaign to tackle single-use plastics and increase recycling rates. Well ahead of State legislation, the University worked with campus retailers to switch to 100% compostable packaging for food and beverage items made on campus. The campaign saw a 59% increase in organic recycling across all campuses. The University won a Carbon Neutral Adelaide Award for this project.
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Student accommodation electrification/degasification
In 2024 the University replaced several old LPG heating systems with electric heat pumps at the Custance Centre. This investment will reduce campus emissions by 26,756 kg/CO2e and deliver 576/GJ in energy savings each year. In addition to new heat pumps, the fourteen Custance Centre houses also received rooftop solar PV systems to reduce reliance on grid electricity. These new additions will reduce emissions by 32,256 kg/CO2e per year and save the University 115,200kwh/year.
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Plant Genomics mechanical & lighting upgrade
Heat pumps and LED lighting were installed in the Plant Genomics building at the Waite campus in 2024 to improve the energy efficiency of the building. This project will reduce campus emissions by 54,624kg/CO2e, and save the University 195,085kWh each year.
Note: The metrics provided above have been calculated using independent engineering advice, utility bills and contractor reports. If you would like further information on a particular project, please contact sustainability@adelaide.edu.au.
University’s operational GHG emission boundary
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The University of Adelaide’s Operational Greenhouse Gas Emission Boundary includes the following campuses and sites.
- National Wine Centre
- North Terrace
- Campus
- CBD buildings
- Parks & grounds
- Regional locations
- Student accommodation
- Roseworthy campus
- Waite campus
- Thebarton campus
University’s operational GHG emission sources
The University of Adelaide’s operational greenhouse gas emission sources include:
Scope 1: Natural gas, stationary fuels, transport fuels, refrigerants, fugitive gas, livestock, fertilisers and urea.
Scope 2: Purchased electricity from the grid.
Scope 3: Potable (tap) water, waste and transmission and distribution losses associated with bringing energy and fuels to campus.
The University is currently calculating its Scope 3 Supply-chain emissions.
Track our progress
See how our goals are tracking.
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Learning & teaching
Area ID Target Status Comment Sustainability education for all LT-1 Embed sustainability in the Graduate Attributes and teaching programs across the University by 2023. Hold for AU transition
Sustainability education for all LT-2 Sustainability is embedded into all relevant programs with opportunities for foundational sustainability education to all undergraduate degree students by 2030. Hold for AU transition
Sustainability education for all LT-3 Sustainability is embedded into all relevant programs with opportunities for foundational sustainability education to all undergraduate degree students by 2030. Hold for AU transition
Sustainability education for all LT-4 Sustainable Development Goals and principles are incorporated in relevant criteria for learning outcomes by 2030. Hold for AU transition
Sustainability education for all LT-5 Respond to market opportunities and develop transdisciplinary sustainability courses and modules for postgraduates by 2028. Hold for AU transition
Sustainability education for all LT-6 Develop and launch Education For Sustainability modules through the Adelaide Development Program for Educators and Professionals who Teach (ADEPT) by 2026. Hold for AU transition
Sustainability education for all LT-7 Embed sustainability within the University’s Employability and Career Skills tool by 2028. Hold for AU transition
Sustainability education for all LT-8 Include a sustainability digital badge (via My e-Quals) for students by 2028. Hold for AU transition
Real-world learning LT-9 Provide students with the opportunity to participate in an online Sustainability Challenge simulation tool from 2025 onwards. Hold for AU transition
Real-world learning LT-10 Establish a new sustainability and social-good student consulting experience by 2025. Hold for AU transition
Real-world learning LT-11 Launch a Green Economy Internship Program with Green Industries SA from 2025 onwards or earlier for a select number of students each year. Hold for AU transition
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Research & innovation
Area ID Target Status Comment Research with Impact RI-1 Year-on-year increase in the number of sustainability research programs, projects and publications. In progress
The University continues to excel in research related to SDG 3: Good health and wellbeing, SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action with a 36% increase in scholarly output and 7% increase in citations in 2024 from 2023 (Elsevier SciVal). In addition, nineteen FAME Sustainability research projects were funded by the University and are ongoing. Research with Impact RI-2 Year-on-year increase in the number of sustainability research projects translated into policy and tangible societal outcomes. Hold for AU transition
Research with Impact RI-3 Additional top-talent recruited in sustainability by 2025. Complete 2023 appointments include:
- Professor Christian Doonan
State Government Future Making Industry Fellow at the Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources
- Professor Kannan Govindan
World-renowned supply chain researcher and lead for the soon-to-be-launched Centre for Sustainable Operations and Resilient Supply Chains in the Business School.
- Associate Professor Devika Kannan
World-renowned supply chain researcher and co-lead for the soon-to-be-launched Centre for Sustainable Operations and Resilient Supply Chains in the Business School.
- Adjunct Professor Gӧran Roos
A world expert in the thinking and practice of strategy and innovation management, as well as industrial and innovation policy for advanced manufacturing and the green economy.
- Adjunct Professor Henrik Stiesdal
Integration of sustainability across all disciplines RI-4 Development of Sustainability Ethics Guidelines for Research that ensure the social, ethical and cultural context and implications of research are considered by 2024. At risk
This target requires further development and integration into AU research environment. The Guideline will be further developed in 2025 with the potential for SmartSheet integration. Integration of sustainability across all disciplines RI-5 Establish an Industry Engagement Priority for Sustainability that is transdisciplinary and supports industry relationships to deliver on future needs of the workforce and address societal and technological challenges through research by 2025. Complete The ISER Board will engage industry in transdisciplinary sustainability research and solutions Integration of sustainability across all disciplines RI-6 Establishment of HDR community aligned with the aims of the FAME Strategy: Sustainability. Hold for AU transition
Integration of sustainability across all disciplines RI-7 Establish a Sustainability Hub that leads a community of practice and collaborations on sustainability by 2025. Hold for AU transition
‘Living labs’ and partnerships RI-8 Establish a framework for the identification, scaling and delivery of ‘living lab’ projects across our campus footprint by 2024. Hold for AU transition
‘Living labs’ and partnerships RI-9 Improve year-on-year the number and impact of living labs on campus. Hold for AU transition
‘Living labs’ and partnerships RI-10 Develop, promote and maintain an online portal to map academic talent, projects and partnerships to the Sustainable Development Goals by 2024. Complete Find a Sustainability Expert - ISER -
Leading transitions
Area ID Target Status Comment A net zero world TNS-1 Net zero emissions from directly controlled operations by 2025 In progress
Operational emissions have reduced by 5% in the 2024CY (from 2023CY). A net zero world TNS-2 All new buildings to achieve Net Zero certification as per the World Green Building Council including a whole of-life life cycle assessment. Hold for AU transition
A net zero world TNS-3 Year-on-year improvement in the energy performance of campus buildings through retrofits, thermal and lighting control policies (GJ/GFAm2 and GJ/FTE). In progress
The energy performance of campus has decreased by 3% in 2024CY from 2023CY. The Infrastructure Branch led a number of projects on campus in 2024 to reduce emissions, and further projects are planned for 2025. A net zero world TNS-4 Introduce a travel policy, climate literacy education for travellers and an offset scheme for business flights by 2025. Hold for AU transition
A net zero world TNS-5 Low carbon fleet transition to commence by 2023. Complete The University has made a start by updating policy settings related to Motor Vehicle purchases. It is anticipated it will take a number of years to fully transition due to procurement arrangements, technological capabilities of campus infrastructure and merger considerations. A net zero world TNS-6 Reduce emissions associated with staff commuting to and from campus by 25%, by 2030 (from a 2023 baseline). Hold for AU transition
A climate resilient campus TNS-7 Inclusion of a sustainability value to the Staff Values and Behaviour Framework by 2024. Hold for AU transition
A climate resilient campus TNS-8 Implement a University-wide environmental management system to achieve and maintain ISO14001:2015 certification by 2028. Hold for AU transition
A climate resilient campus TNS-9 Develop and endorse Campus Water Systems and Climate Resilience Plans by 2025. In progress
These plans will be further developed in 2025 by the Infrastructure Branch. A climate resilient campus TNS-10 Annually, identify opportunities to embed language and cultural education into campus through art and place-making elements including dual place names for entrances, key locations and buildings. In progress
The University is progressing the design of Yarning Circles at Roseworthy and Waite in collaboration with Wirltu Yarlu. Regenerate and reconnect with nature TNS-11 Develop and endorse a Campus Greening Plan and a Campus Biodiversity Plan by 2025 including new plantings on campus with a preference for local Kaurna species. At risk
This target will be progressed in 2025 if resourcing allows. Regenerate and reconnect with nature TNS-12 By 2030 the green canopy on campus will be expanded by at least 30%. Hold for AU transition
Advance responsible procurement and reduce waste TNS-13 Introduce a First Nations procurement target by 2023. Complete The University has adopted a First Nations procurement target of 0.5% of addressable spend in 2024, and aims to extend this in future years. Advance responsible procurement and reduce waste TNS-14 Introduce sustainable procurement staff training and updated processes by 2025. Hold for AU transition
Advance responsible procurement and reduce waste TNS-15 Establish a Furniture and Spares Reuse Library across campuses to ensure assets are used to the full extent of their lifespan by 2025. Hold for AU transition
Advance responsible procurement and reduce waste TNS-16 Source where possible university merchandise from ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices and post-consumer recycled materials by 2024. Hold for AU transition
Advance responsible procurement and reduce waste TNS-17 Divert all food waste from landfill and divert at least 50% of waste from landfill by 2025. At risk
51% landfill diversion rate in 2024. Food waste diversion rates currently unknown. -
Responsible investing
Area ID Target Status Comment Responsible investment INV-1 Develop a sustainability investment policy by the end of Q3 2023 and a transition and divestment plan by the end of 2023. Complete The University has developed a new Endowment Policy and a transition and divestment plan available here: University Policies | Endowment Fund Policy Responsible investment INV-2 Develop a plan to communicate responsible investment activities by the end of 2023. Complete The University has developed a communication plan to disclose responsible investment activities. Responsible investment INV-3 Publish information regarding investment exposure to fossil fuels by the end of 2023. Complete The University's Annual Responsible Investment Disclosure is available here: Annual Responsible Investment Disclosure | Sustainability | University of Adelaide Responsible investment INV-4 Divest from direct ownership and any commingled funds that include public equities and corporate bonds of companies whose primary business is the ownership and exploitation of fossil fuel reserves by the end of 2024. For this purpose, “primary business” refers to a 10% revenue threshold. In progress
Divestment has occurred and an audit report will be presented in June 2025 to support the associated communications to staff and students.
Previous strategies and results
Find out more about our previous sustainability strategies and how we measured up to our targets.