Climate Action Plan, Shared

The University of Newcastle has demonstrated a strong commitment to climate action through active collaboration with the City of Newcastle. This partnership is reflected in the Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2021–2025, which formally acknowledges the role of local institutions, including the University, in progressing the city’s goal of net-zero emissions for council operations by 2030 and across the community by 2040. By engaging in municipal climate strategies and regional forums such as the Net Zero Taskforce, the University ensures its sustainability efforts are aligned with local government action, reinforcing a shared vision for a decarbonised future.

Beyond municipal collaboration, the University plays a leadership role in advancing sustainability across the Hunter region. As a patron member of the Hunter Region SDG Taskforce, we drive regional progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a strong focus on climate action and community wellbeing. The University also supports innovation through initiatives such as the Cleantech Accelerator, which fosters local startups working in renewable energy, waste reduction, and air quality technologies. These initiatives build capacity in the region, translating research into practical solutions that support both economic development and environmental resilience.

In addition, the University is a key contributor to emerging energy transitions in the Hunter, particularly through its work on hydrogen technologies and partnerships such as the Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster, which created the Hunter Hydrogen Roadmap 2021-2040. Our research collaborations with organisations like Hunter Water also demonstrate how sustainability is embedded into infrastructure and community planning. These projects not only align with local government sustainability agendas but also position the University as a regional leader in innovation for a low-carbon economy.

Together, these efforts illustrate a model of integrated climate action where institutional strategies, municipal policies, and regional initiatives reinforce one another. By embedding sustainability into research, teaching, innovation, and community partnerships, the University of Newcastle ensures that climate action delivers benefits across scales—from campus to city to region. This collaborative approach strengthens Newcastle’s transition to net-zero and enhances resilience and prosperity for the Hunter community as a whole.