Our 2022 sustainability report card
Sustainability informs everything we do at Deakin. Because we care about our shared future, we’re committed to embedding sustainable initiatives and practices in our education, research and campus operations.
Our sustainability practices are connected to our respect for the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways on which our campuses sit. We have seven focus areas, which are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and have associated 2025 and 2030 targets:
But we can’t just talk the talk – we’ve got to back up this vision with tangible and measurable environmental action.
Our ‘Climate-Ready Campus’ vision has established the Waurn Ponds Campus as a living laboratory. Students, academics, researchers and partners can engage with a range of innovative energy, water, built environment and biodiversity projects, driving research opportunities and outcomes that benefit our local and global communities.
In 2022, we also made great progress towards our water management, sustainable transport and emissions reductions commitments. Check out our latest video to see how we’re having a real impact and read on to get more detail about specific initiatives:
Water
We’re responding to significant water-related challenges like flooding, securing an alternative water supply to the campus, protecting and restoring waterways near the campus, and recognising how our waterways contribute to healthy ecosystems, liveability and a sense of place.
In 2022, we hit the halfway mark in our plan to convert the pond system into a constructed wetland system. When completed in 2023, more than 69,000 terrestrial and aquatic plants will have been added to the six ponds after reshaping earthworks, topsoiling and rock placement is complete.
Biodiversity
In 2022, we launched a comprehensive biodiversity strategy and signed on as a founding member of the Nature Positive Universities Alliance. Priority projects to be launched in 2023 will help establish a biodiversity baseline, establish biodiversity corridors and create habitat for endangered species like the Swift Parrot.
At our volunteer tree-planting days at Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool, we planted more than 3,000 indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses. Make sure you keep an eye out for upcoming tree-planting days this August!
Sustainable transport
In 2022, we brought shared electric bikes (e-bikes) to our Geelong campuses, and advocated for more frequent bus services to the Burwood Campus, securing an additional 2,000 weekly services.
Keen to learn more and get involved?
You can help Deakin become more sustainable in the following ways:
- Choose to reuse at Waurn Ponds – as part of this 2023 pilot program, you can help to eliminate waste generated by single-use plastics, takeaway cups and other disposable packaging by using – and returning – the supplied crockery, cutlery and cups.
- Help us achieve our waste goals by choosing the right bin – check out our handy A–Z Waste Guide if you’re unsure.
- Explore sustainable and active options for your commute to our Burwood, Geelong and Warrnambool campuses.
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