University of Tasmania
The University of Tasmania aims to be place-based, but globally connected and excellent, right-sized and responsive, to have a regionally networked model designed to deliver quality and access to higher education for the whole state, and to highlight the importance of a people-centred approach of working with each other to deliver our mission.
The University is committed to operating and focusing on sustainable outcomes for ourselves, our surrounding communities and the world. While respecting the traditional owners and their deep history with these lands and waters, we will strive to act in the best interests of not only the current generation but generations yet to come. We holistically embed this in the ethos of our operating model, our teaching, learning and research activities, and through engagement with our partners and stakeholders.
“Carbon neutral certification shows how a single organisation can become a real agent of change and influence the wider community, beyond its physical boundary and current generation, to live in a more sustainable way.”
Type of certification
Organisation
How long have you been certified carbon neutral?
The University of Tasmania has been certified carbon neutral since 2016.
Why are you carbon neutral?
We work in a unique setting and actively partner with the communities in which we live, in support of a healthy, civil and sustainable society. Carbon neutral certification shows how a single organisation can become a real agent of change and influence the wider community, beyond its physical boundary and current generation, to live in a more sustainable way.
What are the benefits of your carbon neutral certification?
Certification has provided an enhanced corporate social responsibility, positive social and environmental outcomes, and improved student and staff engagement and community connection.
What offset projects do you support?
So far, we have supported three Australian and 11 international projects in China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo. Selected projects covered renewable energy, biomass/biogas to energy, biodiversity protection and avoiding deforestation, fire management, and regeneration.
Why did you choose these projects?
The University of Tasmania takes a portfolio approach to carbon offsets acquiring both targeted international and domestic verified carbon offsets. Domestic offsets focus on Tasmanian-based projects in the first instance. Strategic objectives for carbon offset purchases include where possible to provide opportunities to achieve the University’s strategic objectives in teaching, learning and research, deliver benefits to the Tasmanian community, and to deliver benefits to the communities in regions where the University of Tasmania provides education and research services as well as regions from which our international students originate. In addition, we seek to support projects that achieve best value for money whilst achieving the nominated strategic objectives, and to achieve co-benefits aligning with the University of Tasmania’s values.
How can consumers support you?
It is important that our current and prospective students recognise that the University of Tasmania is future-focused and making decisions based on intergenerational equity. Supporting the certified carbon neutral approach within the further education sector will help drive change.
What else are you doing to reduce emissions?
Examples of emissions reduction strategies in place at the University of Tasmania include on-site renewable energy production (solar photovoltaic), energy efficiency initiatives (e.g., performance contracts, building management and control systems upgrades, equipment upgrades, fuel source replacement), and sustainable transport infrastructure and service improvements. Decreasing business travel, better vehicle fleet management (including three all-electric and nine hybrid replacement cars), and furniture and IT equipment re-use programs are other initiatives. In addition, the university has adopted paper and toner use reduction initiatives and engagement activities such as challenges, competitions and displays, annual building level energy reporting, holiday shutdowns and a Green Impact staff engagement program.
What has been the impact of your action?
Achieved reduced emissions by 3,487 t CO2-e through recent efforts.
What advice would you give to a business considering certification?
Carbon neutral certification can seem an overwhelming process. Take a structured approach and remember the Climate Active staff are there to guide you. Communicate your success internally and externally.