ANU staff and students are invited to provide feedback on the Draft Sustainability Policy.  

Why does ANU need a sustainability policy? 

As the National University, ANU has committed to contributing to multiple dimensions of social and environmental sustainability through our research, teaching and operations.    

These commitments are covered by various activities within the Corporate Plan, including charting a better future for the health and wellbeing of people in Australia and beyond, engaging with First Nations peoples and meeting our commitment to mitigate the negative effects of climate change in line with our national mission.    

However, sustainability practices are not embedded consistently in the university's operations. As a result, conflicting priorities can make implementation of sustainable practices challenging, putting the achievement of some of our corporate commitments in jeopardy.   

A sustainability policy would help address this, cementing sustainability principles into business as usual and meeting a genuine business need.  It would also support a wide range of sustainability related procedures, for example, for waste management and much more.   

Anticipated impact of the sustainability policy 

As this provides a policy framework for a number of plans and initiatives that are already underway at ANU, it is not anticipated to have any direct financial or operational impacts.  

Having a sustainability policy will support the improvement of the university’s rankings, and will have positive reputational benefits.  

What's next? 

Feedback closes 11 June 2026. Following consultation, the policy will be revised and submitted to the relevant authority for approval.