The ANU Environmental Sustainability Plan 2026-2030 (the Plan) sets out our strategy for addressing the University’s environmental impacts. It is structured around three strategic drivers - Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Circular Economy, which define our long-term direction and goals. These are delivered through five pathways and eight pillars, which describe how environmental sustainability is implemented across the University in practice.
Below you can explore our eight pillars and the project being delivered within each. The targets we are working toward under each strategic driver are outlined below, along with an overview of our five pathways. For more detail on the full framework, refer to the Plan.
Driver | Target | Pillar |
|---|---|---|
Climate actionOur goal is to reach net and then below zero emissions by 2040 and strengthen climate resilience by becoming a climate-adaptive organisation. | Reducing direct (Scope 1) and electricity-related (Scope 2) emissions by 87% by 2030 (from a 2019 base year)* through:
| |
Reducing emissions from the following value chain sources (Scope 3) by 2030 (2024 base year):
Setting and achieving 2030 emissions reduction targets for procured goods and services*** | ||
| Embedding climate risk and opportunity into all institutional planning and decision-making through the management and disclosure of climate risks across ANU. | Climate Risk | |
Nature conservationOur goal is to protect, restore and enhance biodiversity on campus and across our supply chains. | Joining the Nature Positive Universities Network and implement its framework.
| |
Circular economyOur goal is to embed circular economy principles across the University by reducing consumption, extending product life and maximising recovery of materials and resources. | Reduce material consumption (2025 base year)
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* Scope 1 and 2 emissions were 78% below 2019 base year in 2024.
** Aspirational targets have been set for University travel and commuting to inspire behavioural change.
*** Investments have not been included in this Plan and are addressed through the ANU Socially Responsible Investment Policy.
Pathways
Achieving meaningful environmental outcomes requires a whole-of-University approach that integrates how we govern, operate, engage and learn.
We have five interconnected pathways that describe how this happens in practice. They translate our strategic drivers into action by shaping leadership, systems, everyday practices and learning across the University. These pathways are Governance, Operations, Indigenous Cultural Knowledge, Engagement & Behavioural Change and Research & Teaching.
Together, these pathways connect strategy with delivery and help turn ambition into measurable outcomes. View a visual depiction of our framework for action below and explore the Pathways in more detail in the Plan.
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