Resource efficiency

Goal: Conserve resources by reducing consumption, prioritising reuse and managing waste responsibly.

Why this matters

University campuses and activities are significant consumers of energy, water, and other natural resources. Our 'Resource efficiency' theme includes programs to optimise energy and water efficiency of buildings, promote reuse over single use and improve our recycling systems.

By minimising waste and improving waste systems and behaviours, we aim to conserve natural resources, minimise contamination, make cost savings and support sustainable waste management practices amongst our students and staff.

What we are doing

Optimising the energy and water efficiency of buildings
Improving our recycling systems
Promoting behaviours that avoid waste and conserve natural resources (re-use over single-use)

Improving recycling systems

Our priority is reduce waste, but we have also introduced new recycling systems, guided by our Waste Management Plan, in order to minimise waste to landfill and maximise recycling.

Since 2019 we have made the following improvements to waste management systems:

Replaced under-desk bins with a centralised three-bin system in offices for food and compostable packaging, mixed recycling and general waste. This saved over 1 million plastic bin liners annually.
Introduced a three-bin system in external areas for food and compostable packaging, drink containers and general waste.
Introduced a new soft plastic waste collection.

Our progress to date

Developed and launched a plan to phase out single-use plastics from campus retail dining services.
Installed 10 new water refill stations at Kensington and Paddington campuses.
Launched a furniture reuse program to ensure that office furniture is reused wherever possible.
Implemented a range of energy and water efficiency initiatives including smart building systems, optimising controls and settings to improve user comfort and energy efficiency.

Environmental Sustainability