The University of Sydney announces new sustainability strategy

2019 is shaping up to be a turning point in campus sustainability with the recent announcement that the University is developing a robust and comprehensive strategy to guide sustainability efforts into the next decade.

Michael Gibson, Strategy Project Manager, explains that the new strategy, which will be implemented by December 2019, “will seek to openly and actively engage with students, alumni, staff and the community to help shape and inform the sustainability vision and objectives for the University”.

SEI Director David Schlosberg has welcomed the plan, saying he is “sure that everyone, staff, student, and leadership alike, will be pleased to see the University develop and implement an ambitious sustainability strategy. What is exciting for SEI, of course, is the idea that the plan will highlight, incorporate, and put into everyday practice some of the truly groundbreaking research on sustainability at Sydney, from innovative batteries, to more local, just, and nutritious food.”

As Gibson elaborates, the project represents “a real commitment by the University to deliver meaningful and impactful change and as such will require a whole of community effort”, and that “the support of our colleagues and peers is greatly appreciated and we look forward to working together to deliver real change”.

There is a wealth of experience and knowledge throughout the campuses, and SEI is thrilled to be working alongside the University in utilising that research and expertise to create a greener, cleaner and more sustainable institution. In particular, SEI is helping to create the Strategy working group and forging connections between researchers, operations staff, students and more.

The development of the Strategy will include setting a clear vision and objectives, as well as completing regular progress reports. Some of the key areas that will have clear targets and actions set include Culture, Water, Recycling & Waste Management, Travel & Transport, Energy & Emissions, Landscapes & Biodiversity, Built Environment, Food, Goods & Services and Social Sustainability.

We look forward to working with the University and partners across campus in the development of an innovative, comprehensive, and visible set of practices.

For more information or to contribute to the strategy in some way, please feel free to contact us.

Header Image: The University of Sydney Quadrangle