Sustainability

Towards Net Zero 2033

To be a leader in environmental sustainability, we must be bold, and we must use our position as a university to both educate and innovate.

In 2021, we received Victorian Government funding to develop our Towards Net Zero 2033 plan and a broader Sustainability Framework, aligned to the government’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Our 10-year target

Towards Net Zero 2033 explains how we intend to achieve a net zero emissions target over the next 10 years. Our aim is to create environmentally sustainable campuses by looking at how we use the spaces, upgrading existing infrastructure, embracing new technology, commercialising research and patents, and partnering with government and industry.

Key ideas

1. Invest in optimum assets and resources consistent with the net zero target.
2. Prioritise uptake of renewable energy sources.
3. Implement a program of electrification of vehicles and equipment.
4. Adopt technology and practices to reduce energy use and improve asset performance.
5. Implement Virtual Energy Networks.
6. Develop the broader Sustainability Framework and invest in a series of existing and planned initiatives across our campuses (short term target).
7. Implement Campus Vision: our master plan and design of future campuses (medium term target).
8. Become a leader in our communities across the SDGs and contribute to positive carbon reduction that can be commercialised through our research, patents and other activities (long term target).

Looking to the United Nations

Our Sustainability Framework will be aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aims to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The 17 SDGs and 169 targets were adopted by all UN member states in 2015.

Towards Net Zero 2033 addresses SDGs regarding affordable and clean energy and responsible consumption and production.

We've already started making changes

Federation University has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent since 2005. This reduction includes emissions from sources controlled by the University, such as fuel combustion in vehicles, boilers and furnaces.

How we operate sustainably across all our activities moving forward will be addressed through our overarching Sustainability Framework, which will be developed in collaboration with our staff, students, communities and partners.

A series of initiatives and projects will be developed and implemented from now until 2033. A significant capital investment will be made by Federation over the 10-year period in order to achieve the targets. Our first focus will be establishing a business case for large-scale solar.

For more information, contact property.infrastructure@federation.edu.au