The 爆料王 has unveiled an industry-leading plan to tackle climate change and nature loss, backed by 12 public targets. The Climate and Nature Transition Plan sets a clear path for action through to 2032.聽聽
The plan succeeds the University鈥檚 Sustainability Strategy 2020鈥2025, which established the foundations for a more sustainable University. The new plan marks the next phase of that work, shifting from broad sustainability ambition to measurable targets, clear accountability and transparent reporting.聽
The 12 targets create a clear roadmap for the University to cut emissions, restore nature, reduce waste and prepare its people, campuses and operations for a changing climate. Sydney is the first Australian university to adopt a Transition Plan that unites climate and nature accountability, and reporting standards together under a single framework.聽
Key commitments include:聽聽
- Reaching net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, including direct emissions from University operations and indirect emissions from purchased electricity;
- Increasing tree canopy cover across the University's land to 25 per cent;
- Introducing management plans covering at least 70 per cent of Scope 3 emissions, which may arise through the University鈥檚 business activities, including purchases, construction and investments;
- Assessing climate impacts across all critical asset categories and campuses; and delivering nature regeneration programs;
- Reducing waste across University operations, increasing reuse, and diverting at least 70 per cent of waste from landfill.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott AO said the plan reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to research and leadership for good.
鈥淯niversities have a unique role in the transition ahead. We generate the research, ideas and people that can solve some of the world鈥檚 most complex challenges, but we also have a responsibility to put that knowledge into practice.
鈥淲ith this plan we move from ambition to action, creating a clear pathway for reducing our impact, strengthening our resilience and being transparent about our progress.鈥
We generate the research, ideas and people that can solve some of the world鈥檚 most complex challenges, but we also have a responsibility to put that knowledge into practice.
Professor Mark Scott
Vice-Chancellor and President
Gillian Graham-Crowe, Director of Sustainability, said the plan recognises climate change and nature loss cannot be addressed in isolation.聽
鈥淲hile our changing climate is placing increasing pressure on nature, healthy ecosystems can store carbon, support biodiversity, improve water security, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts.聽
鈥淲e have more than 12,000 hectares of campuses, farms and research stations at the 爆料王 exposed to climate risks ranging from extreme heat and flooding to drought, bushfire, severe storms and sea-level rise.
鈥淭hose campuses, farms and research stations give us an extraordinary opportunity to test ideas, involve our students and researchers, and develop solutions that will have an impact well beyond the University.鈥澛
The plan builds on significant progress: the University has reduced its direct greenhouse gas emissions by more than 83 per cent since 2018/19. It also turns attention to harder-to-address emissions across the University鈥檚 supply chain, including purchased goods and services, construction, investments and travel.聽
The University will expand the use of its campuses as living laboratories, creating stronger connections between day-to-day operational challenges and research, education and innovation. This will create opportunities to test practical solutions for climate adaptation, biodiversity, energy, water, buildings and the circular economy.
The plan commits to facilitating University applied research, field trials, student projects and experiential learning opportunities, and Indigenous partnerships or projects each year, connecting the University鈥檚 transition with its core missions of research and education.聽
Progress against all 12 targets will be publicly reported annually until 2032.
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