Sustainable Development Goals at our University
In 2019, we signed the University Commitment which recognises the significant scope of work needed to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the important role university communities play in reaching these goals. We are committed to sustainability for ourselves, our surrounding communities, and the world.
The SDGs offer a shared framework for all levels of government, businesses, community groups and education organisations to prioritise action between 2015 to 2030, across environmental, socio-cultural and economic sustainability.
How we measure our impact for the SDGs
We use the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings (previously Impact Rankings) and other frameworks, such as the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS), to measure our progress towards sustainability. The THE Impact Ratings aim to evaluate university performance in relation to the SDGs.
SDG6 Clean Water and Sanitation
Clean Water and Sanitation aims to ensure access to safe, affordable drinking water, as well as adequate hygiene and sanitation as a basic human need and right. This goal acknowledges that water pollution, access and security are growing problems. Management strategies include improving water quality, usage efficiency, desalination, and waste-water treatment and recycling. Integrated water resource management across state and national boundaries must be equitable, sustainable and cooperative, involving local communities.
University research and education seeks to understand hydrological cycles, effects of water-borne diseases and pollutants on health, and to address local and global environmental water challenges. We partner with local communities and Indigenous knowledge holders to enhance water management. We work with industry to reduce water use and negative impacts on ecosystems to improve human and environmental health.
Water usage and care
Wastewater treatment
https://www.utas.edu.au/about/sustainability/facilities-and-operations/water
Preventing water system pollution
https://www.utas.edu.au/about/sustainability/facilities-and-operations/water
Free drinking water provided
The University of Tasmania provides free drinking water to students, staff and visitors across its campuses.
Drinking Water Refill Stations Across Campuses
The provides free drinking water to students, staff and visitors across all campuses through a network of water refill stations. These stations are publicly accessible, promote the use of reusable water bottles, and can be located through campus maps and the University's UniMaps platform. The University also encourages the campus community to choose refillable bottles as part of its broader commitment to sustainable water use and waste reduction.
Access to Drinking Water in staff, Student and Community Spaces
In addition to dedicated refill stations, free drinking water is available through a range of campus facilities, including shared kitchens, student lounges, study areas, food preparation spaces and other communal facilities. These amenities provide convenient opportunities for students, staff and visitors to access drinking water throughout the day while studying, working or participating in campus life.
Commitment to Equitable Access
The University's Healthy, Sustainable and Equitable Food Strategic Plan 2023-2028 recognises free drinking water as an essential component of a healthy and equitable campus environment. The Plan commits to ensuring that all students and staff have reasonable access to drinking water at no cost and includes actions to review access across campuses, map existing drinking water locations, identify gaps in provision, and install additional facilities where needed. The Plan also seeks to ensure that free drinking water is available through food outlets and hospitality venues where drinking fountains may not be readily accessible.
Feedback gathered during development of the Plan highlighted the importance of locating drinking water near teaching spaces, study areas, building entrances and other high-use locations. In response, the University has incorporated drinking water access into its campus facilities and services planning to support student wellbeing, health and inclusion.
Supporting Health and Sustainability
By providing free drinking water through refill stations and campus facilities, the supports the health and wellbeing of students, staff and visitors while reducing reliance on single-use bottled water. This contributes to a more sustainable campus environment and helps ensure equitable access to safe drinking water for the University community
Water-conscious building standards
The University of Tasmania incorporates water efficiency requirements into the design, construction, operation and maintenance of its buildings and infrastructure. The University's Stewardship for Sustainability framework identifies reducing water consumption and water pollution as key sustainability priorities and requires water efficiency measures to be integrated into campus facilities and operations (p. 21).
Building Design Standards
Water efficiency is embedded within the University's Design Requirements for new developments and upgrades. These requirements ensure that water efficiency is considered during the planning, design and operation of University buildings and landscapes. The document specifies water-efficient infrastructure requirements, including efficient plumbing fixtures and fittings such as dual-flush toilet cisterns with high WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) ratings (p.42), and irrigation systems that are flexible and efficient in water management, incorporating automatic controls and water management features where appropriate (p.10).
Water Efficiency Requirements for Buildings and Refurbishments
The University's Contractors and Building Users Sustainability Guide sets mandatory expectations for all contractors, staff and service providers working on University properties. Under the section on water efficiency and quality (p.6), the Guide requires the use of high-efficiency water fixtures and fittings, stipulating that replacement fixtures must meet WELS star ratings. Appliances and products installed in buildings are also required to achieve high WELS ratings, helping to minimise potable water consumption across University facilities.
The University's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategic Plan 2022–2030 further embeds water efficiency into campus infrastructure planning. The Plan identifies building design guides as a key mechanism for delivering water-efficient infrastructure and includes actions to upgrade existing water fittings to maximise efficiency across the University's building portfolio. It also requires water-efficient irrigation systems and water-conscious landscape management in areas managed by University grounds contractors (p.55).
Water-Efficient Campus Infrastructure
In addition, the University has invested in water-saving infrastructure, including approximately 688 kL of rainwater harvesting capacity across its campuses, with harvested water reused primarily for toilet flushing. Water-sensitive urban design features, green infrastructure, and water reuse systems have also been incorporated into campus developments to reduce demand for mains water and improve water management outcomes.
Continuous Improvement
The University continues to apply water efficiency standards through its construction, refurbishment and facilities management processes. By combining WELS-rated fixtures, efficient irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, water-sensitive design principles and ongoing upgrades to building infrastructure, the minimises water consumption while supporting sustainable campus operations.
Water-conscious planting
https://www.utas.edu.au/about/sustainability/facilities-and-operations/water
Water reuse
Water reuse policy
The University of Tasmania is committed to conserving water resources and increasing water reuse across its facilities and operations. The University's Stewardship for Sustainability framework identifies water conservation, including water use reduction, water efficiency and water reuse, as well as preventing water pollution. The framework commits the University to developing, maintaining and operating sustainable campuses through sustainability-focused design principles, assurance frameworks and operational tools.
Water Reuse in Practice
The University has implemented a range of initiatives that support water reuse and reduce demand for potable water supplies:
- Approximately 688,000 L of rainwater harvesting capacity is installed across University facilities, with harvested rainwater primarily reused for toilet flushing, irrigation and research.
- The Inveresk campus Community Garden has an automatic irrigation system to increase crop yields that reuses water collected off nearby roofs and stored in two 30,000 L water tanks.
- The Australian Maritime College cavitation tunnel tanks are used for demineralisation and storage of water for reuse in research activities, while the towing tank, model test basin and aquaculture research facilities also reuse water used in research operations.
- The Field Building green roof at the West Park Campus incorporates a closed-loop system that captures rainwater and reuses it for irrigation.
This approach reduces reliance on potable water for maintaining campus green spaces and community gardens, as well as supporting facilities operations and research activities.
Continuous Improvement
The University will continue to increase water harvesting capacity and improve water efficiency through infrastructure upgrades and operational initiatives. This includes the incorporation of water reuse opportunities into campus infrastructure projects and facility operations.
Through its sustainability policy framework, infrastructure planning processes and investment in rainwater harvesting and water reuse systems, the University seeks to maximise water reuse opportunities across its campuses while reducing demand for potable water and supporting the sustainable management of water resources.
Water reuse measurement
https://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/1241418/Water-infographic.pdf
Water in the Community
Water management educational opportunities
The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), a specialist institute at the University of Tasmania, delivers research, education and industry development programs that support sustainable agricultural practices across Tasmania. Through free events, training opportunities and publicly accessible resources, TIA provides educational opportunities for farmers, producers and the local community to learn about good water management, irrigation and water-use efficiency. Some relevant examples are:
- The Water Use Efficiency program (2024-2025) provides free online education resources, workshops and events for the local and regional community (particularly Tasmanian producers) to learn more about how to improve water use efficiency on farms. By exploring ways to use water efficiently on-farm and adopting best-practice water management practices, producers can build resilience to the increased risks of climate change. Resources and events are free and open to the public, and cover topics such as irrigation maintenance and performance, optimising irrigation, on-farm water storage and opportunities to optimise water use in agricultural production systems.
- The Field Days Program (ongoing) is one of TIA’s flagship educational programs. The Program provides free annual events conducted in their dairy and vegetable farms, covering topics such as water irrigation practices and good water management. Field Days include short research updates with opportunities for attendees to ask questions, a Q&A with local growers, networking opportunities at an industry expo, and an opportunity to walk around the farm to view current trials. In 2025, TIA researchers outlined early findings from the Growing value from irrigation for Tasmanian agriculture project, focusing on how irrigation investment contributes to agricultural output, farm profitability, and regional economic value. Participants discussed evidence from statewide irrigation schemes and farm-level studies showing how reliable water underpins high-value vegetable, dairy, and horticultural production, while also highlighting the importance of water use efficiency, soil management, and effective scheduling to maximise returns. The talk emphasised that irrigation delivers its greatest value when supported by sound management, appropriate technology, and climate-resilient practices, and it sparked strong discussion with growers, agronomists, researchers, and industry representatives about practical strategies for getting more value from irrigation in Tasmanian farming systems.
Through programs such as the Water Use Efficiency Program and TIA Field Days, the University provides free educational opportunities that help local communities develop knowledge and skills in irrigation management, water-use efficiency and sustainable water stewardship. These activities support evidence-based decision-making and encourage the adoption of good water management practices across Tasmania.
Off-campus water conservation support
The University’s Tasmania Institute of Agriculture (TIA) supports Tasmanian food producers and processors to accelerate primary sector productivity while maintaining and improving Tasmania’s land and water quality for future generations - this includes water conservation.
Specifically, the TIA Agricultural System Centre's activities focus on systems ranging from soil management and irrigation scheduling, to looking after water catchments. Their TAS Farm Innovation Hub was designed to help Tasmanian farmers, and those who support them, to care for land and waterways. One of the Hub main topics is water, including issues of reliable access and efficient use of water. Hence, their research supports water conservation off campus.
Examples of recent projects include:
- The TAS Farm Innovation Hub’s state-wide Water Use Efficiency program (2024-2025) supports Tasmanian primary producers to build confidence and skills in their farm water management and to improve their resilience to drought and climate variability.
- TIA’s project ‘Growing value from irrigation for Tasmanian agriculture’ (2024-2027) focuses on the efficient use of irrigation, resulting on water conservation, to boost sustainability and profitability for Tasmanian farmers off-campus. The project will support farmers to make decisions, addressing common issues associated with irrigation including scheduling, irrigating to needs of the soils, crop and climate, and optimising efficiency.
With these two programs, TIA supports water conservation off campus by supporting Tasmanian farmers through the provision of access to information and resources for the efficient use of water resources.
Sustainable water extraction on campus
The University of Tasmania seeks to minimise pressure on natural water resources through water conservation, water reuse, rainwater harvesting and responsible water extraction practices. The University prioritises alternative water sources through rainwater harvesting and water reuse infrastructure across its campuses, reducing demand for water extracted from natural water bodies. In the few instances where water is extracted from dams or rivers, such as at agricultural research and demonstration farms, extraction is undertaken in a sustainable manner.
Sustainable water extraction at research farms
The University's Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture operates research and demonstration farms that require irrigation for agricultural research and education activities. At the Cambridge Farm, irrigation water is supplied through the Tasmanian Irrigation Scheme, a statewide water storage and delivery network designed to provide reliable irrigation water while protecting environmental values.
The Tasmanian Irrigation network conducts sustainable water extraction through extensive environmental monitoring programs that assess water quality, groundwater conditions, river health and aquatic ecosystems. Monitoring data are compared against reference sites and long-term catchment trends to identify potential environmental impacts and support the sustainable management of water resources.
Furthermore, the Tasmanian Irrigation Scheme requires irrigators to operate under approved Farm Water Access Plans (Farm WAPs). These plans identify and manage environmental risks associated with water application and storage, and include field surveys, environmental risk assessments, mapping, biodiversity considerations, management actions and monitoring requirements to ensure sustainable water use.
On-Farm Water Storage
The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture's vegetable research facility and dairy research farm utilise on-farm water storage dams rather than extracting water directly from natural waterways or aquifers to ensure irrigation activities do not adversely affect natural water bodies.
Reducing Demand for Water Extraction
The University also reduces reliance on extracted water through alternative water sources and water reuse initiatives. Approximately 688,000 litres of rainwater harvesting capacity is installed across University facilities, with harvested rainwater reused for toilet flushing, irrigation and research activities. The Inveresk rainwater harvesting system supplies irrigation water for communal food and native plant gardens, while the Field Building green roof at the West Park Campus captures and reuses rainwater through a closed-loop irrigation system. Research facilities such as the Australian Maritime College cavitation tunnel also reuse water used in research operations.
Supporting Sustainable Water Stewardship
Through participation in environmentally monitored irrigation schemes, the use of approved Farm Water Access Plans, on-farm water storage, and investment in rainwater harvesting and water reuse systems, the University seeks to minimise environmental impacts associated with water extraction while supporting research, education and operational activities.
Cooperation on water security
The University of Tasmania works with local, state, national and international government partners to improve water security through research, extension, policy development and catchment management programs. Through the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics and various partnerships, the University contributes to water security through sustainable water management, water quality protection, climate resilience, disaster resilience, socio-economic development and ecosystem conservation.
Water Security Research and Government Collaboration
The University collaborates with local, regional and national government agencies to improve water security through research, policy development and environmental management initiatives.
A key example is the Addressing Water Security and Sustainability Challenges in the Basin, and Beyond project, funded through the Australian Research Council. Led by a researcher from the University's Tasmanian School of Business and Economics and a multidisciplinary team from the University of Tasmania, Australian National University and Flinders University, the project is undertaken in partnership with the South Australian Department of Environment and Water, SA Water and the Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance. The project seeks to improve water security through evidence-based assessment of water management frameworks, identification of water security knowledge and data gaps, evaluation of the social, cultural, economic and environmental value of water resources, and the development of innovative tools and guidelines for collaborative and adaptive water planning. The project will support more effective water investment, strengthen water management decision-making, and provide evidence to inform future water policy and planning in Australia, including the ongoing management of the Murray-Darling Basin and adaptation to climate change. It is explicitly linked to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Supporting Water Security Through Agricultural Research and Extension
The University’s Tasmania Institute of Agriculture (TIA) actively addresses water security in close collaboration with government and industry partners. TIA’s work supports water security by helping agricultural communities safeguard sustainable access to water through improved irrigation efficiency, water planning and climate-resilient farming practices.
One example is the Water Use Efficiency program, which provides farmers and land managers with tools, training and advice to optimise irrigation practices and improve water-use efficiency. Through partnerships with government and industry, the program supports evidence-based decision-making around irrigation scheduling, soil moisture management, water storage and farm water planning, helping agricultural communities adapt to changing climatic conditions and increasing pressure on water resources.
TIA also leads the Growing Value from Irrigation for Tasmanian Agriculture project, funded through the Tasmanian Government's Agricultural Innovation Fund and undertaken in collaboration with Tasmanian Irrigation, industry and farmers. The project investigates irrigation efficiency, sustainable water use and climate-resilient farming systems, supporting improved management of Tasmania's water resources.
Catchment-Scale Partnerships
The University is a collaborative partner in the Derwent Catchment Project. Collaborative partners include a wide range of industry, NGOs, community organisations and government – including various local councils, state government entities such as the Inland Fisheries Service, and national government programs such as National Landcare.
The Project aims to empower and inspire the community to be involved in active management to improve land and waterway condition in the catchment and to facilitate community and industry innovation and investment in best-practice resource management to reverse land and waterway degradation, thereby contributing to long-term water security.
The Project actively works to ensure water security by improving sustainable access to water of acceptable quality through initiatives such as river restoration, weed removal, and revegetation, which enhance waterway health and flow. It supports livelihoods and socio-economic development by promoting best-practice farming and fostering nature-based economic activities. In terms of pollution control, DCP addresses nutrient management and implements catchment-wide strategies to reduce water-borne contaminants, contributing to safer water systems. The project also plays a vital role in disaster resilience, with targeted flood recovery planning, fire management, and broader disaster mitigation efforts. Ecosystem preservation is central to DCP’s mission, evident in its conservation programs for endangered species like the Miena cider gum, and its extensive native revegetation work. Finally, DCP contributes to climate resilience and regional stability by building landscape-scale capacity to withstand threats such as drought, fire, and invasive species.
Coastal Water Security
Through the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), the University collaborates with government agencies and international partners to improve understanding of coastal water ecosystems. Research on water quality, pollution, climate impacts and aquatic ecosystem health informs government policy, planning and management decisions designed to protect coastal water resources, strengthen climate resilience and support the long-term sustainability of communities and industries that depend on healthy marine and coastal environments.
Promoting conscious water usage on campus and in the wider community
The University of Tasmania is committed to reducing water consumption and pollution through water harvesting, water treatment and water efficiency infrastructure. The University actively supports conscious water use on campus and beyond.
Some examples of initiatives include the provision of visible water harvesting tanks (688kL capacity) with rainwater being reused for toilet flushing mainly, as well as water efficiency infrastructure across campuses, such as water efficient taps, sensor taps and dual flush toilets. As many campuses are embedded in the community, with many locals often passing through and using our buildings, these initiatives help to promote conscious water use for campus and local communities. Over the coming years, it is envisaged that water harvesting capacity and water efficiency will continue to improve through infrastructure upgrades and behaviour change initiatives.
The University has also developed a water campaign poster (PDF 204 KB) to promote conscious water usage. This poster highlights the value of clean water and provides some tips to reduce water use when using toilets, taps, water fountains and showers. The poster has been designed to be displayed on campus and the wider community. Posters are regularly displayed in dedicated frames across campuses to promote conscious water use among students, staff, visitors, and residents. Furthermore, the poster is publicly accessible through the University’s Sustainability Portal, and community members are encouraged to download it, print it and display it in the neighbourhoods.
Another way in which the University promoted conscious water use in the community is through community outreach events. For example, the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), a specialist institute at the University, offers community outreach programs on efficient irrigation practices and conscious water use as part of their normal activities. Some relevant activities include the Water Use Efficiency program, which offers free online education resources and events aimed to the local and regional community to learn more about how to improve water use efficiency on farms, and the Field Days program, a free annual event that covers various topics including water irrigation practices and water management.