Building a sustainable future

The University of Newcastle stands tall on the international, national and regional stage as an institution leading the way in climate action.

We know that environmental and social responsibility is extremely important to our staff, students and communities. We also recognise that prioritising environmental sustainability isn’t just a nice thing to do, it’s fundamental to our future.

Our Environmental Sustainability Plan 2019-2025 is guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and is our roadmap to contributing to the solutions, through our operations, research and education.

We've created Green Campus maps showing all of our sustainability initiatives.

Sustainability on campus

With more than 37,000 students and 2,600 staff across 14 campuses and affiliated centres, it is the University’s responsibility to lead by example and develop and maintain our operations as sustainable communities. Our Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP) is led by the need for tangible environmental sustainability outcomes.

Commitment to renewable energy

The University has made a significant contribution to renewable energy with a solar panel project that will see over 7000 panels installed across 25 buildings on our Ourimbah and Callaghan campuses.

Newcastle Wetland Connections Project - On-ground restoration

Conservation activities were undertaken at 14 priority sites throughout the catchment.

Green Gown Awards - 2019 Submission

Our 2019 Green Gown Award submission highlighting our sector-leading initiative of our electricity supply being from 100% renewable sources.

Green Gown Awards 2020: Climate Action 2030

The University of Newcastle stands tall on the international, national and regional stage as an institution leading the way in research excellence and education. As such, it is our responsibility to take our place within the global effort of building a more sustainable world.

Priority action areas

Energy and carbon Water Waste and recycling Biodiversity and landscaping Design Transport Procurement and investment Governance and reporting

Our impact

Here we look at recent initiatives and celebrate our environmental sustainability impacts as reported in the University’s 2019 Annual Report.

5,076 ^? coffee cups collected through the Simply Cups recycling program

6,128 ^? energy efficient LEDs installed across all campuses to date

1778 ^? solar panels installed across our campuses which produces enough energy to power 500 households

over 1,893 kgs ^? of plastic bags recycled in our soft plastics program

TOP 3 IN RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENTS ^? out of 13 peers reviewed in 2019

OVER 30HA ^? of bushland zones and wetland areas were regenerated

Over 2,500 ^? native seedlings planted

1,000 ^? on average, the number of passengers using the daily campus shuttle bus

5% ^? reduction in water usage, year-on-year

Achievements

Renewables switch wins Clever Campus award

Green Gown Awards

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

Sustainability