September 25, 2024

Sustainability Report highlights achievements on climate change, biodiversity and social equity

UOW delivering on its commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The University of Wollongong’s (UOW) 2023 Sustainability Report, released today (25 September 2024), highlights the contribution the University is making towards protecting and restoring the environment, and to creating a more equitable and healthy society.

The report shows how UOW is delivering on its commitment to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and shines a light on its ability to deliver impact across research, innovation and education and through community engagement and industry partnerships. It also shows the University’s continued progress towards zero emissions by 2030.

UOW Interim Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor John Dewar AO, said UOW is uniquely positioned to drive sustainability now and into the future. 

“We are incubators of innovation, hubs of critical thinking – we’re here to inspire change and lead by example. 

“Our campuses are living laboratories where sustainable practices can be tested, refined, and showcased. Our classrooms are where the next generation of leaders, thinkers and doers are shaped.  

“Through research and industry collaborations, we can progress innovation, advancing new technologies and strategies to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity and create a more equitable world,” Professor Dewar said. 

Professor Tim McCarthy, Director of the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC) and Chair of the Sustainable Futures Committee (SFC), said UOW is making great progress towards reaching the net zero goals.  

“Our staff, students and alumni continue to work collectively and positively to protect and restore our planet and create a more equitable and healthy society. 

“Research to provide comfortable and energy efficient buildings to live, learn, heal and work in shows practical outcomes for wellbeing and prosperity. Our critical clean energy research is helping reduce emissions while providing affordable energy,” Professor McCarthy said.  

UOW’s recognition of sustainability practices was recently acknowledged in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings (2024), where it ranked equal 44^th in the world – an increase of 17 places.  

The UNSDGs report highlights the University’s ongoing contribution to the 17 SDGs via a cross-section of initiatives and case studies related to climate and environmental sustainability, health and wellbeing, reducing inequalities, industry and energy transformation, delivering quality education and community engagement and partnerships.   

The Illawarra region’s growing reputation as a clean and renewable energy hub is highlighted, with UOW a key facilitator of green energy innovation and training. The University has supported the development of multiple Illawarra-based industry-leading start-ups, who are committed to sustainability.  

UOW also continues to be a leader for health research, with some groundbreaking studies enhancing our understanding and treatment of major conditions.  

The report also details significant enhancements to the learning and teaching framework, increasing in the number of SDGs embedded in the curriculum and affirming the University’s reputation for delivering quality education  

Likewise, the University’s strengths in reducing inequalities shines – from championing diversity, inclusion, and equity, to ensuring just educational opportunities and support for equity students and First Nations students. 

Confirming UOW’s demonstrated commitment to sustainability, it has been ranked in the top 50 universities globally for 8 out of 17 SDGs and in the top 100 for 15 out of 17 SDGs in the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2024.  

For further details, read the 2023 UOW Sustainable Development Goals Report.