Sustainable Practices Targets

The University of Newcastle incorporates sustainable commuting measures into strategic plans, sets targets, and implements initiatives to support low‑carbon transport modes. In 2024, this progress continued in the following ways:

Embedded in Strategic & Environmental Plans

  • Our Environmental Sustainability Plan 2019‑2025 includes a dedicated Transport component with priority actions, targets, and metrics (see page 21).
  • Under the Sustainability goals, Transport is explicitly listed among our strategic priorities, which include advocating for active travel, reducing fleet emissions, and influencing modal shift in staff and student commuting.
  • The University also maintains an Environmental Sustainability Policy which underpins these commitments. The policy was effective from the 8th of December 2022 and will be reviewed in December 2025.

Targets & Measures of Success

Within the Transport section of our sustainability planning, we have established several measures of success, including:

  • Ensuring no net increase in car space provision relative to 2018 baseline.
  • Conducting a full inventory of emissions from staff air travel and fleet vehicles and aiming to offset these by 2025.
  • Encouraging sustainable transport modes through our Strategic Transport Management Plan (which is implemented across the University).

Implementation & Infrastructure

We have implemented many concrete measures to facilitate sustainable commuting, including:

  • Shuttle services
    We operate a free shuttle bus connecting Callaghan and Newcastle City campuses. This service runs at frequent intervals (every 30 minutes, Monday to Friday), helping reduce private vehicle trips.
  • Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
    Dual EV charging stations are installed at central parking bays on our campuses, accessible by staff, students, and visitors.
    At Callaghan, we initially installed four dual charging stations (with infrastructure capacity for more) powered by 100% renewable electricity.
    Importantly, the University is replacing conventional fleet vehicles with EVs to align with our carbon neutrality goals.
  • Cycle & active travel support
    While specific details on cycle lanes or lockers are less emphasised publicly, the Transport strategy explicitly supports “active travel to and from our campuses,” which includes walking and cycling modes.
    Our City campus, located in the CBD, is positioned to take advantage of public transport and active travel options