Green is the new black
It’s the 13th year of Green Week, UTS’s annual week of events and awareness to help us all make more sustainable choices in everyday life.
Students walking on campus. Image: UTS.
Sustainability is core to our distinctive identity. This Green Week, find out more about how we’re walking the talk and ways you can get involved in creating a greener campus for our community (spoiler: it’s easier than you might think!).
What are some recent developments we’ve made in the sustainability space?
We’re implementing our Climate Positive Plan, a strategic priority that guides our response to the climate emergency and outlines a pathway for UTS to be climate-positive by 2029.
We’re on the way to 100% renewable electricity by 2025, thanks to a recently procured renewable electricity retail Power Purchase Agreement.
Our Sustainability Impact Dashboard helps us stay accountable by measuring, tracking and communicating our environmental and strategic sustainability performance and progress. The dashboard provides high-level data on carbon emissions, energy, water, waste and our performance against the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This information will soon be on our website – watch this space!
Our Sustainability Strategy (2023-2027) includes a target to embed sustainability knowledge, values and capabilities into our undergraduate curriculum and education framework over the next five years, as well as mapping our research outputs against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Did you know?
- UTS was one of the first Australian universities to become a signatory to the University Commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2016.
We’re ranked equal 14th in the world in the 2023 THE Impact ranking which is based on the UN SDGs. We also ranked 43rd in the world in the QS 2024 Sustainability Ranking.
We’re award-winning – we’ve received global recognition for our green impact, with our plastic-free food court receiving a coveted International Green Gown Award.
UTS’s Institute for Sustainable Futures was launched in 1997 and over the past 27 years has become a trusted research and consulting leader in sustainable development.
Our impact by numbers
Some of our sustainable impact statistics.
A green campus in the heart of the CBD
Our campus plays a huge role in our impact. Here are just a few ways we’re doing our bit:
You’ll notice bottle refill stations, packaging from our food court that is plastic-free, as well as reducing our printing and paper consumption wherever possible. Waste not want not!
We have bike parking on campus as well as a heap of convenient and sustainable transport options to consider for your next commute that’ll save you time and help you play your part.
Our buildings: We have a range of Green Star-certified buildings, with features including use of recycled water, renewable energy, ambitious recycling targets and green roofs with plants that are drought-tolerant and minimise water use. And all new buildings on campus must be rated at least 5 stars (we even have a few that are rated 6!).
The Alumni Green area on UTS campus. Picture: Andy Roberts.
So, how can you get involved?
Green Week (18-22 March) is a great opportunity for staff and students to find out more about sustainable initiatives on campus including our native bee hives, plastic-free food court, water refilling stations and bike amenities, as well as clubs on campus including the Enviro Collective, Eco Society, and SASS.
Get involved in the Green Week Photo Competition 2024! The theme this year is “Nature's Legacy: A Glimpse into Tomorrow” and there are some great prizes to be won! The competition is now open, so check out more details and flex your photography skills.
Sign up for the UTS Sustainability Newsletter to keep up with all things green around campus and the wider community.
Listen to the Think: Sustainability weekly radio and podcast program – a great way to find out about practical actions you can adopt to help create a healthier planet.
Read the annual UTS Sustainability Report, which is published in June each year and a great way to find out more about how the university is helping to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals through research, operations, teaching and community engagement.
Take a look at UTS Sustainability online, which provides more info about how UTS is cultivating sustainability values and demonstrating leadership in our research, learning, campus operations and community collaboration.
