To be a leader in environmental sustainability, we must be bold, and we must utilise our position as a university to both educate and innovate.
In 2021, we took the next step on our path to sustainability, with the university receiving Victorian Government funding to support the development of Towards Net Zero 2033, and a broader Sustainability Framework, aligned to the government’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
10-year target
Towards Net Zero 2033 provides a 10-year roadmap towards how we intend to achieve a net zero emissions target.
It provides a framework to create environmentally sustainable campuses by looking closely at how we use our campuses, upgrade existing infrastructure, embrace new and emerging technology, commercialise research and patents, and partner with government and industry to work collectively.
This plan is also an integral part of our delivery of our Campus Vision, which envisages our campuses as modern and thriving places for teaching and learning, which are also integrated and responsive to the needs of our communities and the employers that we will work with in delivering the Federation University Co-operative Model.
Key principles and targets
Federation will transform to a position of carbon net zero over the next ten years without reliance upon Carbon Offsets by adopting the following key principles and targets:
Invest in optimum assets and resources consistent with the net zero target
Prioritise uptake of renewable energy sources
Implement a program of electrification of Vehicles and Equipment
Adopt technology & practices to reduce energy use and improve asset performance
Implement Virtual Energy Networks
Short term target – Develop the broader Sustainability Framework and invest in a series of existing and planned initiatives across our campuses
Medium term – Implement our Campus Vision, master-planning, and design of future campuses
Long term – Become a leader in our communities across the SDGs and contribute to positive carbon reduction that can be commercialised through our research, patents, and other activities.
Becoming a leader in our communities across the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Towards Net Zero 2033 includes examples of how we will put our plan into action, including the creation of a more sustainable heritage building at our SMB Campus in central Ballarat.
Our Sustainability Framework will be aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which outlines a global agenda for sustainable development by 2030. The 17 goals are a call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
The SDGs are a set of 17 goals and 169 targets adopted by all UN Member States in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.
Towards Net Zero 2033 establishes our sustainability commitments for Energy and Emissions by addressing the SDGs of Affordable and Clean Energy and Responsible Consumption and Production and supporting further SDGs as outlined in plan.
Where we will begin and how we will involve our communities
Towards Net Zero 2033 sets out the practical steps we will take to transform our operations sustainability as we reach for net-zero Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, and work to achieve our Campus Vision.
How we operate sustainably across all our activities will be addressed through our overarching Sustainability Framework, which will be developed in collaboration with our staff, students, communities, and partners.
A series of initiatives and projects will be developed and implemented from now until 2033. A significant capital investment will be made by Federation over the 10-year period in order to achieve the targets. Our first focus will be establishing a business case for large scale solar.
This journey has already begun. Federation University has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent since 2005. This reduction includes scope one emissions that occur from sources controlled by the university, such as fuel combustion in vehicles, boilers, and furnaces, as well as scope two emissions.
We strongly encourage you to take a closer look at Towards Net Zero 2033 and we look forward to working together to develop our broader Sustainability Framework between now and 2033.
For further information contact property.infrastructure@federation.edu.au
