Wondering how you can get involved with sustainability at ANU?  

We’ve compiled a list of several opportunities that can help to reduce your carbon footprint and get involved in community initiatives where you can work with others to generate lasting, positive change. 

Reduce your carbon footprint by...

Taking One Small Step 

One Small Step is an app that helps users choose sustainable options simply and easy by assisting them in making a big impact by taking small steps towards larger goals.  

A public version of the app has been helping people worldwide for years. Now, ANU staff and students can access a unique version of this app for free with ANU and Canberra-specific resources, making change even easier. 

Taking active and share transport  

Taking public transport instead of driving can reduce your annual carbon emissions by an estimated 80%, and riding a bicycle for shorter trips will reduce your carbon footprint by 75%. Not only are there environmental, physical, mental and financial benefits of not using a car to drive to campus, but you can also save time and frustration by avoiding peak hour traffic and searching for parking spots. 

Visit this webpage for shared and active travel tips for ANU staff and students. 

Hosting sustainable events 

Planning an upcoming event? Consult the Low carbon events sub-guide to see how you can host a fun and engaging event that also has a low environmental impact. Hot tip: hosting a virtual or hybrid event will vastly reduce the carbon emissions for that event. 
 

Reducing your energy consumption 

Reducing our energy consumption habits is one of the most important actions that we can take to reduce our carbon footprint. Find tips to reduce your energy usage at home and in the office. 

 

Thinking about your travel 

Travel is a valued part of the University experience with positive impacts for career development, building relationships, extending networks and beyond. It can be challenging to balance our desire to reduce our carbon footprint and undertake meaningful travel for our work or study.  

You can find practical advice for making more sustainable travel decisions in the Carbon Smart Travel Guide. 

Get involved with initiatives on and off campus such as...

ANU Green

ANU Green is the University’s operational program that seeks to embed sustainability into the fabric of the campus. Two programs work towards these goals: Dhaagun Environmental Management Plan 2022-2025 and ANU Below Zero. Read more on their website 

Join the ANU Green Network, sign up for volunteer opportunities and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.  

ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions

The Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions (ICEDS) connects people with climate, energy, and disaster-risk research from ANU. Its goal is to advance innovative solutions to address climate change, energy system transitions, and disasters. ICEDS facilitates integrated approaches to research, teaching, policy, industry, and community engagement across disciplines.

Subscribe to the ICEDS mailing list (form at the bottom of the home page) to keep up to date with ANU climate news and events.

ANU Kitchen Garden 

The ANU Kitchen Garden is a community of ANU staff and students working together cooperatively to grow, prepare and share fresh, seasonal and delicious food including the bounty harvested from our very own community gardens on campus. 

Student Life 

ANU Student Life supports students to connect, grow, and thrive at university with development opportunities, peer-led events and activities, and health promotion campaigns. View the Student Communities website to participate in their activities for 2024, including the Kitchen Garden Project, ANU Community Connect and other events. 

Canberra Food Co-Op 

The Canberra Food Co-op is a community-led, non-profit organisation aiming to encourage zero-waste shopping, affordable access to local food and products and build a community that promotes knowledge sharing and culture, conveniently located on ANU campus near Barry Drive.  

ANU as a living lab 

The Below Zero Program seeks to integrate practical emission-reductions with research and teaching activities at ANU, with the aim of using our expertise to drive innovation in this vital sector.  

If you are a staff member and your current or upcoming research programs address climate adaptation and the energy transition, contact us to discuss how our team can assist your research or teaching plans. 

If you are an ANU student and interested in environmental sustainability, there are courses and student projects across most disciplines at ANU. Start by enrolling in climate adaptation and energy courses offered at ANU or asking your course convenors about incorporating ANU Green content into your current program.