The University ’ s
Environmental Sustainability Report 2020 reported on progress made against the ESP , despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic , with highlights including the following .
> The UNSW Council agreed the University would commit to a science-based pathway to net zero total emissions of our entire value chain . Our Net Zero Strategy , developed in 2020 , sets out how we will achieve our 2030 target of a 50 % reduction in total emissions .
> Launch of the
Climate Alliance – a UNSW-led initiative bringing together 48 of the world ’ s best climate change research universities and giving governments , industry and communities access to top researchers devoted to addressing this challenge . See Principle 5.7 for more information .
> In November 2020 , UNSW realised its long-held vision to achieve net zero emissions from building energy use when the Sunraysia Solar Farm started exporting electricity to the grid and supplying UNSW ’ s energy through an innovative solar Power Purchase Agreement ( PPA ). This landmark will see the University save 1.25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions over the 15-year term of the PPA .
> The UNSW
SDG Toolkit was developed in 2020 and provides a platform for teachers and students to integrate sustainable thinking across curriculum and education platforms , based on the framework established by the UN . See Section 3.2 for more information .
> The 2021
THE Impact Rankings saw UNSW placed in the top 100 for seven SDGs , an increase from four the previous year ; ranked 8th for its work towards ensuring availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation ; and ranked 96 in the world overall out of 1,240 institutions from 98 countries .
In addition , UNSW Sydney will add to its credentials as a world-leader on climate science , renewable energy and sustainability by moving away from investment in fossil fuels . By 2025 the University will divest from direct ownership and any commingled funds that include public equities and corporate bonds of companies whose primary business is the ownership and exploitation of fossil fuels reserves . UNSW has developed a Responsible Investment Framework , approved by UNSW Council in April 2021 , to effectively link its investment activity to its ESP , its targets and UNSW ’ s other responsible investment commitments .
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