Deepening our commitment to environmental sustainability
UNSW is committed to continuously improving environmental performance across everything we do – from how we plan, build and operate our campuses, to how we use energy, manage waste, protect biodiversity and travel to and around UNSW.
Environmental sustainability is not a static goal. It is an ongoing commitment that evolves as our understanding, capabilities and responsibilities grow.
The role of the Environmental Sustainability Plan
The Environmental Sustainability Plan 2022–24 provides a clear, focused framework to guide action across UNSW’s operations. It sets out practical priorities, targets and initiatives that help reduce our environmental impact while supporting UNSW’s core mission as a leading education and research-intensive university.
While developed for the 2022–24 period, the plan continues to guide our operational sustainability work in 2025. The plan remains the foundation for decision-making, delivery and accountability as we transition to our next phase of work.
Transitioning to the next plan
UNSW is currently preparing its next Environmental Sustainability Plan for 2026–2030, which will be aligned with the UNSW Progress for All Strategy, including Pillar 6: Accelerate the transition to a sustainable society and planet.
This transition reflects the need to:
- align sustainability planning with UNSW’s broader strategic direction
- respond to emerging challenges, opportunities and regulatory expectations
- ensure our approach remains ambitious, practical and integrated across the university
Until the new plan is finalised, the Environmental Sustainability Plan 2022–24 remains the active framework guiding sustainability delivery across UNSW.
