Two people walking among rows of solar panels at twilight.

Campus sustainability

We’re using UQ campuses as living laboratories to test and scale practical sustainability solutions.

We're exploring opportunities to reduce energy use and expand renewable energy, improving campus efficiency and creating climate-responsive, nature-positive places for people and the environment.

This work builds on UQ’s strengths in clean energy research and campus innovation, while supporting lower emissions, reduced waste, greater resilience and more sustainable ways to learn, work and move around campus.

What we're doing

Across our campuses, UQ is investing in cleaner energy systems, efficient infrastructure and practical projects that support teaching, research and operations. Our campuses help turn sustainability ideas into action.

Biodiversity

Our campuses and sites cover more than 1,600 hectares and are home to diverse fauna and flora.

We support biodiversity by maintaining wildlife habitats and vegetation corridors across our campuses and sites, alongside initiatives including bird boxes, Land for Wildlife areas, revegetation projects, native plantings, and sustainable weed and pest management.

Water stewardship

Our water efficiency projects, water efficient plumbing retrofits, rainwater collection and chiller precinct upgrades helped support operations during previous droughts.

We're reducing our reliance on potable water and increasing more efficient use of recycled water.

Responsible procurement

We recognise that the choices we make through procurement can create positive environmental, social and economic outcomes.

We work with suppliers who share our commitment to ethical business practices, responsible sourcing, human rights and sustainable development.

Sustainable buildings and infrastructure

We're focused on improving the sustainability performance of our buildings through energy-efficient design, renewable energy integration, adaptive reuse of existing buildings and smart building technologies.

A man riding a bike across Eleanor Schonell Bridge at UQ's St Lucia campus.

Sustainable transport

We promote active transport options such as cycling and walking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, road congestion and pollution. 

Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are available at some campuses.

Learn more about getting to campus

Two people seated at a bench, talking.

Waste and circular resources

We're avoiding unnecessary purchases and supporting a circular economy by choosing to reuse, recycle and compost, reducing raw materials consumption while protecting land, groundwater and clean air.

Learn about recycling at UQ

Solar energy

We’re advancing renewable energy through our research and day-to-day operations on campus, and reducing our energy consumption through ongoing projects and initiatives.

solar panels

Rooftop solar

We've installed solar panels on rooftops and facilities across campuses and sites, including Pinjarra Hills, Heron Island Research Station, Moreton Bay Research Station and Long Pocket.

Since UQ's first rooftop solar system was installed in 2011, we've continued to explore opportunities to expand rooftop solar across our campuses.

Sheep grazing in among solar panels at Gatton Solar Research Facility.

Gatton Solar Farm

The Gatton Solar Research Facility's 3.275 megawatt array includes more than 37,000 thin-film photovoltaic panels across 10 hectares, generating clean energy while supporting world-leading solar research.

Two people in hi-vis installing solar panels.

Warwick Solar Farm

Warwick Solar Farm opened in 2020 and has since played a significant role in UQ’s renewable energy journey. As our largest solar facility, the solar farm makes a substantial contribution to our renewable electricity generation and supports progress towards its sustainability objectives.

The facility also provides valuable opportunities for research, teaching and student engagement, supporting innovation and learning in renewable energy technologies and sustainable energy systems.

Battery project

In 2019, we installed a behind-the-meter battery system. The 1.1MW/2.15MWh Tesla Powerpack system provides multiple services to help UQ manage and reduce energy cost, including arbitrage and frequency control ancillary services (FCAS).

You can view the battery’s real-time performance on the Engineering Precinct battery dashboard.

View Engineering Precinct battery dashboard