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Strategy

The University has two overall mechanisms for addressing environmental sustainability – the Environmental Management Plan and the Below Zero Program.  

The Below Zero Program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net and then below zero for direct on-campus activities, energy, business travel and waste. The focus is on practical emissions reductions first and foremost, only using carbon removal as a back-up. The University will also progressively draw down emissions accumulated over its lifetime. All other indirect emissions from procurement of goods and services and commuter travel will be reduced as rapidly as possible, based on international best-practice for the university sector.

The Below Zero Program Strategic Plan has been informed by:

Environmental Management Plan (EMP) 2022-’25 provides an approach to improve environmental sustainability across its Acton campus and regional sites. The EMP has six pillars: greenhouse gas mitigation, energy management, water management, built environment, circular economy, and biodiversity and conservation. The EMP has several short- and medium-term objectives to assist the University in reaching its sustainability ambitions.  

Below Zero Advisory Committee

The Below Zero Advisory Committee meets three times per year and is comprised of high-level internal and external stakeholders, who contribute to the success of Below Zero, by providing objective advice and guidance to support Program decision-making. The Committee keeps partners and community members informed and engaged with Below Zero, and represent Below Zero to different stakeholders groups, both inside and outside the University.  

Membership of the Advisory Committee is voluntary and is extended by invitation.  

NameRolePosition on Committee
Ms Naomi Flutter ANU Pro-Chancellor and Council member and Executive GM, Corporate Affairs, Wesfarmers Co-chair
Professor Frank Jotzo Director, Centre for Climate Economics & Policy – ANU Crawford School of Public Policy, Head of Energy, Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions – ANU Co-chair
Ms Sophia Hamblin Wang ACT Climate Change Council member, COO of Mineral Carbonisation International External member
Dr Ken Henry Former Treasury Secretary External member
Mr Geoffrey Rutledge Deputy Director-General, Environment, Water and Emissions Reduction – ACT Government External member
Ms Lucy Arthur Director – Centre for Learning and Teaching ANU member
Professor Andrew MacIntosh Professor – ANU College of Law ANU member
Professor Brian P. Schmidt ACT FAA FRS Vice-Chancellor & President – ANU Ex officio member
Professor Mark Howden Director, Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions – ANU Ex officio member
Mr Rex Michelson ANUSA Environment Officer Ex officio member