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Sustainability Policy

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Purpose | Scope | Principles | Policy statements | Roles and responsibilities | Definitions | Approval information | Version history | References

1. Purpose

1.1 Sustainability is a core value under the UTS 2027 strategy. The Sustainability Policy (the policy) forms part of the Sustainability Framework and outlines UTS’s sustainability principles and commitments, and articulates the governance, ownership and reporting requirements.

2. Scope

2.1 This policy applies to:

  1. UTS staff, students, affiliates and visitors, and
  2. UTS facilities, resources and operations.

3. Principles

3.1 This policy affirms the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide ‘the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all’. UTS is a signatory to the:

  1. University Commitment to the SDGs
  2. United Nations Global Compact
  3. Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME)
  4. Climate Emergency Declaration, and
  5. Race to Zero.

3.2 UTS recognises the past, present and future knowledge and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples towards sustainable behaviours and practices.

4. Policy statements

Creating a culture of sustainability

4.1 Consistent with its vision and values, UTS integrates sustainability principles into the key functional areas of teaching and learning, research, operations, and partnerships and engagement by:

  1. taking a local–global perspective, acknowledging that UTS activities have an influence beyond the boundaries of the university due to inherent connections to the local and global communities
  2. taking positive action to apply measures to address the climate crisis and prevent environmental degradation or social harm (refer Climate Positive Plan)
  3. adopting a whole systems approach, integrating long-term economic, social and environmental considerations into the university’s strategic decision-making, commercial, procurement and investment processes to improve sustainability outcomes (refer the Commercial Activities Policy, the Procurement Policy and the Treasury and Investments Policy)
  4. addressing social sustainability by acknowledging that real sustainability is achieved through both environmental and social justice activities in line with the Equity, Inclusion and Respect Policy and the Social Impact Framework
  5. sharing responsibility with all members of the UTS community, embedding the responsibility for sustainability performance and outcomes into workplans and key performance indicators
  6. engaging students, staff and the community in decision-making processes related to the sustainability outcomes of its activities and report actions and progress (via the Sustainability Report (available at UTS Sustainability: Our performance))
  7. continually review and improve sustainability performance to ensure environmental integrity, financial viability and social equity and diversity, and
  8. complying with environmental, health and safety, equity and diversity, modern slavery and financial legislation.

The Sustainability Strategy

4.2 To implement the principles of this policy, UTS has a Sustainability Strategy that:

  1. fosters sustainability values and principles for students, staff and the wider community
  2. embeds sustainability compliance activities into core activities
  3. identifies clear delivery outcomes, success measures, goals and targets, and
  4. uses these measures to continually improve the university’s sustainability performance, compliance and impact.

4.3 As part of the Sustainability Framework, the strategy is developed by the Head of Sustainability and approved by the Chief Operating Officer in consultation with the university’s senior leaders.

Governance and reporting

4.4 The Sustainability Steering Committee oversees the strategy (and associated plans) and monitors compliance against the strategy. The committee may establish working groups to implement and oversee its plans and activities. These working groups report to and advise the steering committee.

4.5 UTS’s sustainability performance and progress against compliance requirements as outlined in the strategy, and the principles outlined in this policy, is articulated in the Sustainability Report (available at UTS Sustainability: Our performance).

4.6 The Sustainability Report is presented to Council (via the Governance Committee) annually. This report may inform or recommend changes to either the policy or the strategy to ensure fit for purpose. Sustainability outcomes are also reported in the UTS Annual Report.

5. Roles and responsibilities

5.1 Policy owner: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for policy enforcement and compliance, ensuring its principles and statements are observed. The COO is also responsible for the oversight of the Sustainability Framework, including approving the Sustainability Strategy and the Sustainability Steering Committee terms of reference and membership.

5.2 Policy contact: The Head of Sustainability is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the policy and acts as a primary point of contact for advice on fulfilling its provisions. The Head of Sustainability is also responsible for:

  1. overseeing the implementation of the strategy
  2. assisting the integration of the UN SDGs into all university activities, and
  3. developing the Sustainability Report on behalf of the COO.

5.3 Implementation and governance roles: 

The Sustainability Steering Committee is responsible for:

  1. providing leadership and guiding the strategic direction of sustainability at UTS
  2. overseeing the Sustainability Strategy and associated plans
  3. assisting with the integration of sustainability into the university's activities
  4. improving sustainable practices, and
  5. reporting performance.

The following senior leaders have specific responsibilities under this policy:

  1. The Provost is responsible for embedding sustainability principles into the UTS 2027 strategy, UTS social inclusion priorities and academic practices. 
  2. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) is responsible for embedding sustainability principles into teaching and learning. 
  3. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) is responsible for embedding sustainability principles into research. 
  4. The Director, Property, in consultation with the Head of Sustainability, is responsible for integrating sustainability initiatives into the planning, design, construction and operation of new and existing buildings and campus infrastructure. 
  5. The Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures, in consultation with the Head of Sustainability, is responsible for contributing to the implementation of this policy, the Sustainability Strategy and associated plans and programs. 
  6. The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for organisational financial viability and the procurement of goods and services. 
  7. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Social Justice and Inclusion) is responsible for the Social Impact Framework and the promotion of social sustainability through equity and inclusion, diversity and access.

6. Definitions

The following definitions apply for this policy and all associated procedures. Definitions in the singular also include the plural meaning of the word.

Affiliate is defined in the Code of Conduct.

Sustainability (also sustainable development) is defined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda and means development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

It is further recognised that sustainable development calls for concerted efforts towards building an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for people and planet. For sustainable development to be achieved, it is crucial to harmonise 3 core elements: economic health, social inclusion and environmental protection. These elements are interconnected and all are crucial for the wellbeing of individuals and societies.

Eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions is an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. To this end, there must be promotion of sustainable, inclusive and equitable economic growth, creating greater opportunities for all, reducing inequalities, raising basic standards of living, fostering equitable social development and inclusion, and promoting integrated and sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems.

Sustainability Framework means the following 3 documents:

  1. the Sustainability Policy, which outlines the university’s commitment to sustainability
  2. the Sustainability Strategy, which implements the university’s sustainability commitments and articulates compliance requirements and targets, and
  3. the Sustainability Report, which provides compliance reporting against the university’s sustainability commitments.