• Section 1 - Purpose
• Section 2 - Application
• Section 3 - Roles and Responsibilities
• Section 4 - Relationship to TEQSA Threshold Standards
• Section 5 - Sustainability Strategy and Operating Practices
• Education for Sustainability
• Research for Sustainability
• Section 6 - Sustainability Program
• Section 7 - Monitoring and Reporting
• Section 8 - Delegations

Section 1 - Purpose

(1) Connections - the QUT Strategy 2023 to 2027 highlights sustainability and the environment as a priority. This Policy supports the University’s commitment to reducing its impact on the environment and contributing to meeting the challenges that will lead to a more sustainable world. The objective of the Policy is to provide a framework to express sustainability principles and practices to attain positive sustainability outcomes.

Section 2 - Application

(2) This Policy applies to all staff and students of QUT, as well as other members of the University community.

Section 3 - Roles and Responsibilities

Section 4 - Relationship to TEQSA Threshold Standards

(3) This Policy assists the University satisfy the provision of standards within Domain 6: Governance and Accountability, specificaly 6.2 Corporate Monitoring and Accountability of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.

Section 5 - Sustainability Strategy and Operating Practices

(4) The University’s sustainability strategy provides direction for the University to continually improve its sustainability practices.

(5) QUT will measure and seek to reduce the environmental impact of its operations by improving sustainability practices and involving staff and students in on-going improvement of our environmental performance. Adequate funding and resources will be allocated to implement the strategy.

(6) QUT’s environmental sustainability commitment considers the following principles as fundamental:

1. minimising energy and water consumption, on campus including ensuring renovations and new buildings follow energy and water efficiency standards;
2. enhancing diversity and reducing the impact of alien species on campus;
3. minimising pollution and environmental impacts;
4. maximising the utilisation of space;
5. reducing QUT’s carbon footprint, implementing strategies that minimise QUT's carbon emissions and work toward acheiving net zero carbon emissions by 2049;
6. implementing sustainable transport strategies;
7. minimising waste to landfill, and plastic waste and measuring and accounting for all waste at QUT;
8. minimising plastic use on campus;
9. implementing sustainable procurement strategies; and
10. including climate change adaptation in design and development.

Education for Sustainability

(7) QUT is committed to embedding sustainability into its practices and curricula. The University recognises the important role the higher education sector plays in ensuring the generation set to meet the challenge of the climate emergency receives the skills it needs. To achieve this, QUT’s Real World Learning Vision (QUT staff access only) outlines aspirations for graduates who will:

1. contribute to, and impact on, the world in an ethical and sustainable way;
2. reflect upon their own practices and make decisions consistent with the principles of sustainable development;
3. deal with sustainability issues in all fields of work; and
4. contribute to a sustainable future with the confidence to act and with the knowledge that their actions will effect positive change.

Research for Sustainability

(8) QUT’s research on sustainability is diverse and seeks to meet global, national, and local challenges. Collectively the University’s research centres and groups address the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.

(9) The University is committed to enhancing research aimed at mitigating and adapting to the impact of climate change.

Section 6 - Sustainability Program

(10) QUT promotes best sustainability practice in the workplace through an annual Communications and Behaviour Change Program to raise sustainability awareness. The objectives of the program include minimising waste and increasing recycling, energy efficiencies and water conservation, increasing responsible procurement via use of environmentally friendly preferred items, encouraging sustainable transport practices and engaging QUT staff and students in the University’s sustainability commitment.

(11) The Sustainability webpages (QUT staff access only) on the Digital Workplace provide further information.

Section 7 - Monitoring and Reporting

(12) QUT complies with statutory requirements and is transparent in its sustainability journey with regular monitoring and reporting on performance and improvement initiatives. The following annual reports are provided:

1. Greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions to the Australian Government in accordance with the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) regulations;
2. reporting on operational performance - benchmarking with the Tertiary Education Facilities Management Association; and
3. carbon emissions in QUT’s Annual Report.

Section 8 - Delegations

(13) There are no delegations made under this Policy.