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.
SDG7 Affordable and Clean Energy
Affordable and Clean Energy aims to ensure universal access to well-established, affordable and modern clean energy services including renewable energy and energy efficiency by facilitating clean energy research and technology as well as improving sustainable energy infrastructure and decreasing energy use.
The University is committed to contributing to Tasmania being a leader in affordable and clean energy and efficient energy use. We will drive innovation for the global application of Tasmania’s renewable energy expertise, including hydroelectric, wind and marine platforms for offshore energy production. We also drive innovation for energy efficiency through our research and built environment programs.
University measures towards affordable and clean energy
Energy-efficient renovation, building and upgrade
The University of Tasmania has a formal framework requiring energy efficiency to be incorporated into new building projects, major refurbishments and the ongoing upgrade of existing buildings. Energy efficiency requirements are embedded across the University's sustainability, asset management, design and energy management frameworks, ensuring that energy performance is considered throughout the planning, design, construction, operation and renewal of University assets.
Energy-efficient new buildings and major refurbishments
New developments and major refurbishments at the University apply Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles throughout planning, design, construction and operation, following Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) Green Star guidelines. This includes optimising energy efficiency and reducing operational energy intensity. This is reflected in the University's Stewardship for Sustainability Framework, which explicitly identifies “improving energy efficiency” in new, renovated and existing buildings as one of the University's key sustainability objectives (p.21).
The University's Strategic Assess Management Plan (SAMP) embeds sustainability into the planning, design, construction, operation, renewal and disposal of assets (p.24). Sustainability is established as a key asset management objective, requiring assets to operate “in a sustainable way to improve environmental and social outcomes by reducing resource consumption (including energy)” (p.9). The Plan also requires consideration of technological change, renewable energy opportunities and the inclusion of energy-efficient equipment in new and renovated buildings (p.10).
The University's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategic Plan 2022-2030 and Energy Action Plan 2024-2030 establish specific energy efficiency requirements for capital projects. Both plans require new buildings and major refurbishments to achieve at least a 10% reduction in energy intensity compared with a reference building under the National Construction Code (NCC) (Emissions Reduction Strategic Plan, Action 4, p.29; Energy Action Plan, Action 1.5, p.12). The Energy Action Plan identifies this requirement as an ongoing action and requires building design scopes and guides to define energy-efficiency requirements for capital projects.
The University's Design Requirements translate these commitments into project-level standards. Building projects must consider a range of energy-efficiency measures, including:
- high-performance building envelopes,
- effective daylighting,
- minimisation of unwanted heat transfer,
- high-performance glazing,
- energy-efficient heating and cooling systems,
- building management controls, and
- lifecycle-based design decisions that support long-term operational efficiency.
Upgrading existing buildings to higher energy efficiency
The University also maintains a formal program to upgrade existing buildings to higher energy efficiency. The Stewardship for Sustainability Framework identifies improving energy efficiency in existing buildings as a key institutional objective (p.21).
The University's Energy Efficiency Framework provides the overarching framework for measuring, assessing and improving energy efficiency across the University's building portfolio. The Framework states that its purpose is to "inform the strategic management of energy efficiency" (p.3) and identify improvement opportunities through assessment of building energy use, infrastructure performance and organisational energy management practices (p.4). It specifically identifies improving energy efficiency (energy waste avoidance ) as a key approach to reducing energy consumption (p.3-4) and includes detailed performance assessments covering building HVAC systems, lighting, hot water systems, appliances, building fabric, maintenance practices, monitoring systems and energy management processes. The Framework is designed to identify poorly performing buildings, benchmark performance, prioritise investment opportunities and direct activities that improve organisational energy efficiency.
This framework is supported by the University's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategic Plan 2022-2030, which includes a dedicated action to “upgrade existing building electric elements to maximise efficiency”(Action 3, p.29). The Plan identifies upgrades to building services, systems and equipment as a key mechanism for reducing energy consumption and emissions across the University's existing asset portfolio.
The Energy Action Plan 2024-2030 further establishes a program of ongoing energy-efficiency improvements across existing buildings, including optimisation of building management systems, enhanced energy monitoring and metering, electrification of building services, replacement of inefficient plant and equipment, and installation of renewable energy technologies where practical.
Through these integrated policies, plans, frameworks and design standards, the University ensures that all major renovations and new developments are designed to achieve high levels of energy performance while maintaining a systematic process to assess, prioritise and upgrade existing buildings to higher energy-efficiency standards.
Carbon reduction and emission reduction process
Plan to reduce energy consumption
https://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1891995/UTAS-Energy-Action-Plan.pdf
Energy wastage identification
https://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1240937/Building-Performance-Data-latest.pdf
Divestment policy
The University of Tasmania has a formal responsible investment framework that supports the transition to a low-carbon economy and restricts investment in carbon-intensive energy industries through fossil fuel screening requirements (i.e., a divestment framework).
The University's Treasury and Investment Policy establishes responsible investment as a core principle of investment management. Clause 1.1 commits the University to supporting a "zero-carbon future" aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. To support this objective, Clause 2.1(f) requires investment allocation decisions to contribute to "an accelerated transition to a zero-carbon future" through the application of:
- a negative screen for fossil fuel investments and/or
- a positive screen for investments driving the energy transition.
Clause 2.1(g) further requires investment decisions to apply positive screening aligned with the University's ESG commitments.
The University's Investment Procedure provides the operational framework for implementing these divestment requirements. Sections 3.1 and 3.2 require investment decisions to be undertaken consistently with the University's responsible investment commitments and direct the University to pursue investment opportunities that align with these objectives where compatible with investment requirements. Section 3.17 establishes the use of negative screening to exclude companies, assets or investment managers whose activities are not sufficiently aligned with the University's sustainability objectives, while Section 3.18 specifically gives effect to the fossil fuel and energy-transition screening requirements established in the Treasury and Investment Policy.
The Procedure also embeds these requirements within the University's investment governance processes. Investment proposals are subject to due diligence and review by the Operational Investment Advisory Panel, and ESG considerations are incorporated into investment assessments. For direct equity investments, exclusions lists may be applied where necessary. For managed funds and pooled investment products, the University assesses alignment with its responsible investment requirements, including fossil fuel screening methodologies and broader sustainability considerations.
Where companies have exposure to fossil fuel activities, Section 3.19 requires evidence of a credible transition pathway before investment may be considered. This includes demonstrated alignment with a net-zero emissions pathway by 2050 or earlier, science-based emissions reduction targets, alignment with a 1.5°C future, independent verification of emissions data where appropriate, and transparent public reporting of progress.
The University's investment approach is part of a broader institutional commitment to climate action and emissions reduction. Through its Treasury and Investment Policy, Investment Procedure and associated governance processes, the University maintains a formal framework for divesting from carbon-intensive energy industries, including coal, oil and gas, while directing investment towards activities that support the energy transition.
The University's fossil fuel divestment commitment is also reflected in its public sustainability reporting. The University has publicly confirmed that it has divested from fossil fuel investments and adopted responsible investment practices that align financial investments with its climate and sustainability objectives.
Energy and the community
Local community outreach for energy efficiency
The University of Tasmania provides a range of programmes, events and partnerships that help local communities, school students and industry stakeholders learn about energy efficiency, renewable energy systems and the transition to clean energy. Through public events, educational outreach, research partnerships and industry engagement, the University supports community understanding of sustainable energy technologies and their role in addressing climate change and building a low-carbon future.
The Curious Climate Schools is a University of Tasmania program that connects school students aged 10-18 with trusted climate experts, including energy efficiency and clean energy experts. This local community educational outreach initiative enables students to explore questions about climate change, many of which are in relation to electricity generation, renewable energy and associated emissions reduction. Through classroom activities, expert responses and interactive learning resources, the program helps young people build their understanding of energy systems and the role of clean energy in addressing climate change.
The University’s Island of Ideas program also provides dedicated educational outreach activities for the wider local community through a series of free public lectures and discussions that are open to all Tasmanians, including alumni, local residents, displaced people, community organisations and online participants. The program is specifically designed to share University expertise beyond the campus and stimulate informed public discussion on issues of social, environmental and economic importance. The wide range of topics are aligned to and guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy. For example, in 2025 the program included the public lecture ‘Cut Bills, Cut Emissions: Electrify Everything’. Through this educational event, open to the local community free of charge, energy expert and author Dr Saul Griffith shared how electrifying our homes and communities can slash energy costs and put Tasmania at the heart of Australia’s clean-energy transformation. In this talk, Griffith explained how and why families can rewire their budgets and play a central role in the shift to a cleaner energy future. He also reflected on his national and international experience in the energy revolution and comment on how Tasmania fits into the national electrification task.
The University also offer ad hoc educational opportunities for local communities to learn about importance of energy efficiency and clean energy. Some examples:
- Community learning opportunities are also provided through public events and outreach activities. In 2025, InVent (Innovation Ventures, the research commercialisation arm of the University of Tasmania), hosted the public event Energy Innovation in Burnie, bringing together community members, industry representatives, researchers and innovators to explore developments in energy technologies and Tasmania's clean energy future. The event provided opportunities for local residents to engage directly with experts and learn about innovation in renewable energy and energy-related industries.
- The Future Innovators Engineering Expo is a University program aimed to Tasmanian students in Years 9 -12 where graduating engineering students present their capstone projects in a poster/demonstration session. Sessions often include projects that touch on the importance of energy efficiency and clean energy. For example, sessions presented in 2025 included a project that aimed to ensure that electric vehicles in the future will always be fully charged and ready to go the next day, a project that looked at optimising battery energy storage system and solar PV for electric vehicle fleet charging, and a project about renewably powered medical oxygen generation for low-resource settings.
Furthermore, the University’s Centre for Renewable Energy and Power Systems (CREPS) is a multidisciplinary research centre focused on renewable energy, energy storage, energy efficiency, power systems and sustainable energy technologies. The Centre offers a flagship annual event, ‘Isolated Power Systems Connect’, which provides opportunities for industry representatives, researchers and community stakeholders to exchange knowledge and learn about developments in renewable energy, energy storage, decarbonisation and clean energy technologies. In the 2025 program, various sessions covered the topic of renewable energy and decarbonisation. Furthermore, the 2025event included a visit to the Kewarra Beach Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and the $100 million green energy power plant at the Tableland Sugar Mill.
Through public lectures, outreach programmes, community events and industry engagement activities, the University of Tasmania actively supports learning beyond the campus on the importance of energy efficiency and clean energy. By connecting community members with researchers, industry experts and real-world examples of renewable energy technologies, the University helps build the knowledge and skills needed to support Tasmania's clean energy transition
100% renewable energy pledge
The University of Tasmania is committed to transition to 100% renewable energy, as well as the progressive electrification of buildings and vehicle fleet, supporting both the decarbonisation of University operations and the broader transition to a low-carbon future. As part of this commitment, the University has established a pathway towards sourcing 100% renewable electricity and is progressively electrifying its buildings and vehicle fleet. This commitment and initiatives are supported by the University's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategic Plan 2022-2030 and Energy Action Plan 2024-2030, which include actions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels through energy efficiency improvements, electrification, renewable energy generation and renewable electricity procurement.
The University actively communicates its renewable energy and decarbonisation commitments through its Sustainability website, publicly available strategies and action plans, news stories, events, presentations, social media channels and stakeholder communications. Through these platforms, the University shares information about renewable energy, electrification, emissions reduction and climate action initiatives, helping to promote understanding of and engagement with the transition to a low-carbon future beyond the University community.
The University also publicly supports the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Action Plan target of achieving 200% renewable energy generation by 2040 and has stated that expanding renewable energy generation will deliver significant long-term benefits for the Tasmanian community and accelerate the decarbonisation of energy systems.
Recognising that achieving a renewable energy future requires action beyond individual organisations, the University promotes public discussion and collaboration through the Tasmanian Policy Exchange (TPE). Through its Transition to a Zero Carbon Future impact area, TPE brings together government, industry, researchers and community organisations to explore practical pathways for decarbonisation and the transition to clean energy. By facilitating dialogue between decision-makers and the broader community, the University helps promote understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with renewable energy and a net-zero future.
In 2025, TPE contributed to public policy discussions through its submission, Tasmania's Clean Fuel Future, which advocated for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, expanding renewable energy opportunities, supporting electrification, developing low- and zero-emissions industries, and ensuring that clean-energy projects deliver benefits for Tasmanian communities. The submission also highlighted the importance of community engagement and collaboration in achieving Tasmania's energy transition. In the same year, TPE's Submission to the 2025 Independent Review of the Tasmanian Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008, ‘Ambitions beyond net zero: Tasmania as a potential climate leader’, recommended stronger emissions-reduction ambitions, support for low-carbon industries and enhanced public engagement to support the transition to a zero-emissions future.
The University also promotes renewable energy and clean-energy transition pathways through public education and community engagement activities. Through its Island of Ideas public lecture series, the University hosts free events that are open to all Tasmanians and designed to stimulate informed discussion on major social, environmental and economic issues. In 2025, the series featured Cut Bills, Cut Emissions: Electrify Everything, a public lecture by Dr Saul Griffith examining how households can reduce energy costs and emissions through electrification, electric vehicles and renewable-energy-powered technologies. The event encouraged community participation in the clean energy transition and was delivered both in person and online.
The University further supported public engagement with clean energy in 2025 through Energy Innovation, a free community event hosted by UTAS InVent in collaboration with regional partners. The event brought together researchers, entrepreneurs and industry representatives, and community members to discuss renewable energy technologies, battery systems and innovation supporting Tasmania's clean energy future.
The University also promotes renewable energy knowledge-sharing through the Centre for Renewable Energy and Power Systems (CREPS). Through initiatives such as Isolated Power Systems Connect, CREPS brings together researchers, industry representatives, technical experts and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge on renewable energy systems, energy storage, mobility and decarbonisation. These activities help disseminate expertise beyond the University and support broader engagement with the transition to clean energy
Through its renewable energy commitment, support for Tasmania's renewable-energy ambitions, policy leadership, public events and stakeholder engagement activities, the University of Tasmania actively promotes the transition to renewable energy beyond the University and encourages broader community participation in a low-carbon future.
Energy efficiency services for industry
The University of Tasmania provides direct services to local industry through applied research partnerships, technical expertise, innovation programs and stakeholder engagement activities focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency and decarbonisation. Through collaboration, the University supports the development, adoption and implementation of clean-energy technologies and low-carbon solutions in the local industry.
The University’s Centre for Renewable Energy and Power Systems (CREPS) is a University of Tasmania Centre that was established to help the energy industry meet the challenges of the 21st Century. CREPS is a world-class research centre, specialising in the fields of renewable energy and enabling technologies. It aims to enhance both fundamental and applied research in power and energy systems in Tasmania and beyond. The Centre supports the energy industry through world-leading research with local and global partners across various program areas, with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainable and emerging technologies, and renewable energy. The University further supports industry through Isolated Power Systems Connect (IPS Connect), the flagship annual event of the Centre for Renewable Energy and Power Systems. The forum brings together utilities, independent power producers, industry representatives, researchers and technical experts to share lessons learned, discuss operational challenges and explore opportunities associated with renewable energy, energy storage, electrification, mobility and low-carbon power systems. By facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration, the event helps industry improve capability and accelerate deployment of clean-energy technologies.
In addition, University researchers work directly with industry through the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (hosted by the University of Tasmania), delivering projects focused on offshore renewable energy and decarbonisation technologies. These projects support industry adoption of low-carbon technologies while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Examples include:
- DC Microgrids for Offshore Applications (2020 – 2025): a project developing direct-current microgrid technologies for offshore industries, enabling the integration of renewable energy, battery storage and other low-emissions power sources into offshore operations. The research aims to improve energy efficiency, reliability and decarbonisation opportunities for offshore infrastructure.
- Seeding Marine Innovation in WA with a Wave Energy Deployment in Albany (2021-2025): a project that supports the demonstration and deployment of wave-energy technology while fostering industry capability and innovation in marine renewable energy. The project provides practical experience in renewable-energy integration and helps develop commercial pathways for wave-energy applications in coastal and offshore industries
- Hydrogen Powering of Vessels (2023-2025): a collaborative project investigating the use of hydrogen as a zero-emissions fuel for the maritime sector. The project is supporting industry understanding of the technical, operational and economic requirements for transitioning commercial vessels away from fossil fuels and towards clean-energy alternatives.
- Australian Offshore Wind Development (2026): a project supporting the emerging offshore wind industry through research into offshore renewable energy deployment, supply chains, workforce capability and industry development requirements. The project helps industry stakeholders identify opportunities and address challenges associated with large-scale offshore renewable-energy generation.
Together, these projects provide industry partners with access to University expertise, applied research and technology development that support the adoption of renewable energy, improved energy efficiency and the transition to low-carbon operations.
The University further supports industry through its strategic collaboration agreement with Hydro Tasmania. The partnership focuses on renewable energy, future workforce development, research and innovation, and includes collaboration on areas such as pumped hydro storage, renewable-energy integration, energy-dispatch systems and climate-safe engineering. Through this partnership, the University provides expertise and research capability that assists Tasmania's renewable-energy sector in responding to decarbonisation and energy-transition challenges.
The University also contributes policy and technical expertise to support industry transition through the Tasmanian Policy Exchange (TPE). In 2025, TPE's Tasmania's Clean Fuel Future submission provided evidence-based recommendations relating to electrification, renewable energy, low-emissions industries and the transition away from fossil-fuel dependence. The submission was developed to help inform policy settings that support industry uptake of clean-energy technologies and facilitate Tasmania's transition to a low-carbon economy.
Through these research partnerships, technical collaborations, industry forums, innovation initiatives and policy contributions, the University of Tasmania provides direct services that assist industry to improve energy efficiency, adopt renewable-energy technologies and support the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Policy development for clean energy technology
The University Tasmanian Policy Exchange (TPE) is an interdisciplinary policy institute that works with government, industry and community partners to provide independent, evidence-based policy advice on major issues shaping Tasmania's future. One of TPE's key impact areas is Transitioning to a Zero Carbon Future, which focuses on informing and supporting the development of policies and strategies that accelerate decarbonisation, renewable energy deployment, clean technologies (including energy-efficient technologies) and climate resilience. TPE also supports other University researchers to make timely and informed contributions to policy debates and support governments, including through policy development, to address numerous economic, social and environmental challenges that we are facing, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy.
TPE’s work on the Transitioning to a Zero Carbon Future impact area includes preparing submissions to Tasmanian Government reviews and draft plans for the State’s renewable energy future and climate action strategies. Relevant work in this area has been focused on Tasmania, but it’s applicable to local, regional, national and global levels.
In 2025, TPE provided direct policy advice to government through its submission Tasmania's Clean Fuel Future, prepared in response to the Tasmanian Government's Draft Future Clean Fuels Strategy. The submission outlined a series of principles to guide the development of Tasmania's clean-fuel industry, including the sustainable use of renewable electricity, support for low- and zero-emissions technologies, and the need for clean-fuel projects to deliver enduring economic and social benefits to regional communities. The submission also recommended that future clean-fuel developments be informed by regional systems modelling, community engagement and integrated planning processes to maximise the benefits of Tasmania's renewable-energy resources.
Also in 2025, TPE contributed to the Submission to the 2025 Independent Review of the Tasmanian Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008, ‘Ambitions beyond net zero: Tasmania as a potential climate leader’. The submission included recommendations to strengthen Tasmania's transition to a zero-emissions future through stronger climate governance, long-term emissions reduction planning, support for emerging low-carbon industries and more effective integration of climate considerations into government decision-making. The submission highlighted the importance of enabling investment in clean-energy industries and supporting the economic opportunities associated with decarbonisation.
Through these submissions, the University provides governments with independent research, policy analysis and practical recommendations that help inform the development of renewable energy, clean fuel, decarbonisation and low-emissions industry policy. While focused on Tasmania, the recommendations address challenges and opportunities that are relevant at local, regional, national and international levels.
Assistance to low-carbon innovation
The University of Tasmania supports the development of start-ups and emerging ventures that contribute to a low-carbon economy through InVent (Innovation Ventures), the University's research commercialisation arm. InVent works with researchers, students, alumni and industry partners to identify commercial opportunities, protect intellectual property, develop business models and create start-ups, spinouts and licensing opportunities that deliver environmental, social and economic impact. It also helps connect entrepreneurs and founders with industry, government, investors and commercialisation partners.
While InVent supports innovation across a broad range of sectors, it actively promotes entrepreneurship in areas relevant to sustainability and the low-carbon economy. For example, in 2025, InVent hosted Energy Innovation, a dedicated entrepreneurship event focused on renewable energy and battery-technology innovation. Delivered in partnership with regional development organisations, the event took place in the business incubator space within The Makers Building. It brought together entrepreneurs, start-up founders, researchers, industry representatives and investors to explore commercial opportunities in renewable energy and clean-energy technologies, helping foster innovation and start-up activity within Tasmania's low-carbon economy.
InVent's broader portfolio of commercialisation activities also demonstrates support for technologies that contribute to sustainability outcomes. Examples include Eco Detection, a start-up commercialising University-developed technology for autonomous water-quality monitoring for remote operations, critical infrastructure and wastewater processing, HealthLit4Everyone, a social enterprise focused on improving health literacy and community wellbeing. These examples demonstrate how InVent supports the translation of University research and expertise into ventures that deliver environmental and social benefits while creating pathways from innovation to impact.
Furthermore, the University partnered with TasNetworks and Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2026 to deliver an energy innovation hackathon focused on solving real-world challenges facing Tasmania's energy sector. The initiative brought together students, researchers, industry representatives and innovators to develop practical solutions related to energy systems and the clean-energy transition. By providing access to industry expertise, mentoring and real-world energy challenges, the hackathon supported innovation, entrepreneurship and the development of new ideas, technologies and potential start-up opportunities relevant to a low-carbon economy.