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Leading the way for a sustainable future

The University of Tasmania has ranked #3 on Climate Action for universities internationally

The University of Tasmania is leading the way in sustainability initiatives.
Reaching for the STARS 

The University of Tasmania has become the first Australasian STARS rated institution, achieving a Silver rating in August 2020. Over 1,000 universities worldwide use the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) to help guide and share their sustainability activities.

A Silver rating recognises the significant efforts of our staff and students over the past few years. Together, we have progressed our sustainability journey, identifying new opportunities to deliver holistic outcomes.

The STARS rating builds on other measures that showcase where the University is excelling in sustainability.

Early in 2020, we achieved a score of 88.5 out of 100 in the Climate Action category of the 2020 Times Higher Education Impact rankings. This has led to an international rank of #3 on Climate Action, based on the University’s strength in climate-related research, a certified carbon neutral status, and environmental education activities, as well as Tasmania’s low carbon energy supply.

The University of Tasmania also ranked #11 in the support for Life Below Water, and #14 for Sustainable Cities and Communities. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables, assessing 768 universities from 85 countries, against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

We have also been recognised for our sustainability community engagement and leadership activities. On the world stage at the International Green Gown Awards in Marseille, France, the University of Tasmania won the Community category, acknowledging the collaborative group Education for Sustainability (EfS) Tasmania.

Established in 2015, EfS Tasmania is a United Nations-recognised Regional Centre of Expertise. Through the leadership of the University of Tasmania, sustainability leaders from a state-wide network of education for sustainability partners came together to coordinate and deliver initiatives across education and research, community, business, and government.

University Sustainability Lead, Corey Peterson, said the award showcases the important work EfS Tasmania is doing and encourages the group to achieve even greater things.

“It is through collaborative efforts such as EfS Tasmania that significant social, environmental, and financial sustainability outcomes can be achieved with shared resources, passion, knowledge, and skills across the Tasmanian community."

The University of Tasmania is proud to play a pivotal role in contributing to sustainable futures.

As the most prestigious recognition of best practice within the education sector, the International Green Gown Awards provide benchmarks for excellence, are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and supported by the United Nations, national governments, and education bodies.