Sustainability Portal

Engagement and Resources

The University of Tasmania encourages all members of its community to get involved to help the University become more sustainable:

Engagement Plan

The University of Tasmania Sustainability Engagement Plan (PDF 229KB) addresses student, employee and community engagement for sustainability, with initiatives designed to achieve nine strategic goals:

  • To maintain a foundational sustainability integration program for students (SIPS) with recurrent resourcing to allow longer term planning
  • Through SIPS, to continue to support the operational sustainability needs of the University and broadly engage students and staff in the operational sustainability of the University
  • To provide opportunities for academic engagement with sustainability through SIPS
  • Students can be part of and contribute to the sustainability culture at the University as part of their student experience
  • Sustainability priorities at the University are informed by staff and student voices through best practice sustainability governance, and the University provides opportunities for learning and professional development in sustainability governance
  • Sustainability is an integrated part of working life for all staff at the University of Tasmania
  • Sustainable event principles are integrated into all University events and required for events on University property
  • Sustainability leadership and innovation is recognised and celebrated at the University
  • The University is an active leader in a range of professional networks and communities for sustainability

Programs

  • Sustainability Integration Program for Students (SIPS)
    SIPS aims to enhance the academic program with an active learning laboratory in sustainability. It involves the formalisation of partnerships between operational areas, faculties and schools in the development and implementation of collaborative projects that engage students in authentic learning experiences.
  • Green Impact
    The Green Impact program is designed to celebrate, inspire and recognise the contributions of both professional and academic staff at the University. The program is an integrated approach to sustainability centered around nine themes: resources and waste, biodiversity and community, water, health and wellbeing, energy and carbon, travel, procurement, inclusivity and diversity, and engagement.
  • Global Climate Change Week
    Global Climate Change Week (GCCW) aims to encourage academic communities – including academics, students, and non-academic staff at universities – in all disciplines and countries to engage with each other, their communities, and policy makers on climate change action and solutions. In 2020, the stewardship of GCCW transitioned from the University of Wollongong to the University of Tasmania.

Networks and societies

  • Education for Sustainability Community of Practice (EfSCoP)
    The University of Tasmania has established EfSCoP comprising academic and professional staff and students who regard education for sustainability as central to the mission of higher education.
  • UTAS Cares
    UTAS Cares develops sustainable collaborative arrangements between UTAS (staff and students) and a broad range of grassroots ecological community volunteer groups. Find volunteering opportunities via UTAS Cares Facebook page.
  • Tasmanian University Student Association (TUSA) Societies
    There are several TUSA societies with a focus on sustainability. Join one of the existing societies, or you can start your own!  Some of the current societies are:
    • Australian Youth Climate Coalition
    • Beekeeping Society
    • Biological Sciences Club
    • Bird watching – UTAS Avian Club
    • Community Engagement Tasmania Society (COMET)
    • Landcare Society
    • Zero Waste Society

External resources

  • Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS)
    ACTS aims to inspire, promote and support change towards best practice sustainability across all types of campuses. We do this by building cross-sector partnerships, bringing together sustainability educators, practitioners and change-makers to create a community for positive engagement, capacity building and impact. As a UTAS staff or student you can sign up to ACTS and get access to the resources it offers.
    Through ACTS you can also access resources from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) in America and the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) in the UK. ACTS members have access to all resources including publications, e-newsletters and networks, as well as sharing good practice from around the globe on issues such as resource efficiency, education, waste minimization and sustainability reporting.
  • Education for Sustainability Tasmania (EfS Tas)
    EfS Tas is a United Nations recognised Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) on Education for Sustainable Development. It is a network of leaders in sustainability research, training and education, working towards social, cultural, economic and environmental sustainability, using education as a central tool.

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