A person crouches by the edge of a body of water, reading water measurements from a sensor.

Sustainability

We're working toward a more sustainable future, on campus and beyond.

Our commitment

We're committed to creating a future where people, communities and places can thrive. Through excellence in education, research, operations and partnerships, we contribute to the wellbeing of people, communities and the environment, delivering positive impact for the public good.

At UQ, sustainability is understood not only through environmental performance, but also through equity, social impact, community benefit, place-based contribution and UQ’s role as an institution of, for and with Queensland.

1 in Australia for environmental sciences

QS World University Rankings 2026

1 in Australia for agriculture and forestry

QS World University Rankings 2026

A woman standing in a wheat field, with jacaranda trees in the background.

Framework and plan

Through a whole-institution approach, our plan provides a shared direction for embedding sustainability in how UQ learns, leads, operates and contributes to a just, resilient and regenerative future.

Read our plan

Our approach

Sustainability is an ongoing journey of learning, collaboration and continuous improvement. Over time, sustainability has been advanced through UQ staff, students and partners who have embedded sustainable practices into teaching, research, campus operations and community engagement.

We've built a strong operational foundation through practical initiatives and infrastructure investment.

Sustainability is a shared responsibility

We collaborate across disciplines, communities and partners to build capability, encourage participation and create collective impact.

Creating lasting change requires a systems approach

We take a systems approach to sustainability, informed by evidence, accountability and continuous learning.

What we're doing

Sustainability is embedded throughout our teaching, operations and research. At the heart of our sustainability agenda is our commitment to seek solutions to sustainability challenges, and prepare our students and staff to make a difference.

Teaching future leaders

Core sustainability learning outcomes are embedded across the curriculum so we prepare our students to inspire and change the world around them.

Innovative research

We're sourcing solutions to sustainability challenges by asking the right questions, and exchanging knowledge, understanding and resources to address them.

An aerial view of rows of solar panels.

Campus sustainability

We're expanding renewable energy, improving campus efficiency and creating climate-responsive, nature-positive places for people and the environment.
Sustainable Development Goals logo

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

We've joined government bodies, businesses and organisations around the world as a signatory to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Read progress reports for each SDG.

People, place and community

Our vision is reflected in institutional commitments that connect people, place and opportunity, drawing on our strengths in education, research and innovation to address complex sustainability challenges.

We're strengthening reconciliation, embedding Indigenous knowledges, enhancing connection to Country and expanding educational opportunity across Queensland. Read more about our commitments:

Reconciliation Action Plan

The Queensland Commitment

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