Media releases

Federation University Australia has committed to net zero carbon operation across all its campuses by 2033 with an ambitious strategic plan created to ensure a strong and sustainable future for Victoria’s leading regional university.

The announcement of the ‘Towards Net Zero’ (TNZ) plan forms part of Federation’s Campus Vision that aims to transform Federation’s campuses into environmentally sustainable places that are responsive to the needs of students, staff, and partners.

The Victorian Government has provided funding to support Federation’s TNZ plan and a broader Sustainability Framework that is aligned to the government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050. Federation is also supporting the state’s transition to a net zero future through projects like the Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre (APRTEC) at its Ballarat Campus (Mt Helen), which has received $6 million in funding from the Victorian Government.

Activities related to TNZ will be developed in collaboration with staff, students, communities, and partners, with a framework that will be aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which outline a global agenda for sustainable development by 2030.

The TNZ plan will deliver a net zero university through adhering to the following:

1. Invest in optimum assets and resources consistent with the net zero target
2. Prioritise uptake of renewable energy sources
3. Implement a program of electrification of University vehicles and equipment
4. Adopt technology and practices to reduce energy use and improve asset performance
5. Implement Virtual Energy Networks across the University

Over the medium term, the plan will deliver a net zero carbon realisation for the university, however the long-term aim is for Federation to also contribute to positive carbon reduction that can be commercialised through research, patents, and other activities.

This objective will be met through Federation leveraging its world-class research in renewable energy, energy storage and future fuels – including through the recently established Centre for New Energy Transition Research (CfNETR) – to provide industry partners, as well as government and aid agencies with the knowledge, services, and goods so that they can also meet targets as set out by the United Nations SDGs.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley

“For over 150 years, Federation has delivered education experiences that drive economic growth and jobs in our region, continually adapting ourselves to ensure we remain relevant to the communities we operate in. As the world we live in continues to change rapidly, so too must our university. Climate change impacts us all, and our ‘Towards Net Zero’ plan will help us achieve carbon reduction targets and ultimately enable us to provide leadership at a global, national, and local level on carbon reduction practices.”

“Our Campus Vision is a model for what a modern university can and should be – a strong, sustainable, vibrant, and thriving university that will transform lives and enhance communities for generations to come. We have a significant responsibility to deliver this transformation sustainably.”

Quote attributable to the Minister for Higher Education, The Hon. Gayle Tierney MP

“The Andrews Labor Government is proud to invest $6 million through the TAFE Clean Energy Fund to support Federation University to lead the way for a cleaner vocational training sector.”