Standfirst: UNSW's 2025 Sustainability Report in Numbers highlights our measurable progress across climate action, nature, the circular economy and sustainable operations.
UNSW has released our 2025 Sustainability Report in Numbers – a snapshot of the measurable outcomes helping shape more sustainable campuses and community.
The report highlights progress across key sustainability priorities, from advancing the University's net zero commitments and nature-positive goals to improving sustainable procurement, laboratory sustainability and waste management.
While the report focuses on quantitative performance, it forms part of a broader sustainability story. You will find more information on strategy, governance and impact in the sustainability section of the UNSW Annual Report 2025.
Key sustainability highlights
Strengthening climate transparency
In 2025, UNSW published our first Climate-related Financial Disclosures, providing greater transparency around climate-related risks and opportunities and aligning with emerging global reporting expectations.
Progressing towards net zero
UNSW reached a significant milestone by completing Stage 1 of our award-winning Electrification Program. The project transitioned six of the University's eight residential colleges, the Paddington campus, David Phillips Field and other key facilities from natural gas to renewable electric energy.
The University also continued working with industry partners to advance leadership in refrigerant sustainability as part of our broader decarbonisation efforts.
Maintaining a net gain in nature value
UNSW maintained our net gain nature value target across the Kensington campus, building on achievements first realised in 2024.
Growth in tree canopy, implementation of native planting guidelines and the replacement of the D14 building with green space contributed to this outcome. The University's Nature Value metric continues to support the integration of nature-positive principles into campus planning, project design and decision-making.
Advancing sustainable procurement
Following a comprehensive market analysis, UNSW selected the Sumday platform to support emissions calculations and carbon accounting. The platform will strengthen the University's ability to understand and manage supply chain emissions while supporting greater collaboration with suppliers.
Expanding laboratory sustainability
UNSW continued to increase participation in the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF), reinforcing our leadership in sustainable laboratory practices.
LEAF-recognised laboratories now account for around half of the University's total lab space, with UNSW remaining on track to achieve 100 formally accredited laboratories in 2026.
Embedding sustainability in capital projects
Implementation of the updated Capital Projects Sustainability Framework continued throughout 2025, helping ensure sustainability requirements are consistently integrated across the University's development pipeline.
The framework, which is publicly available through Estate Management, was also showcased at Green Building Day 2025 as an example of sector-leading practice.
Turning food waste into clean energy
Green food waste caddies were introduced across staff kitchenettes and student accommodation at the Kensington and Paddington campuses, making it easier for the UNSW community to divert food waste from landfill.
The initiative supports the University's commitment to reducing emissions and advancing a circular economy.
Looking ahead
The results highlighted in the 2025 Sustainability Report in Numbers demonstrate the progress being made across the University, while also identifying opportunities for continued improvement.
As UNSW continues our sustainability journey, the focus remains on deepening impact, strengthening partnerships and enabling innovation that supports a more sustainable future.
Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and the achievements outlined in the report reflect the collective efforts of staff, studentsrs and partners across the University.
Explore the 2025 Sustainability Report in Numbers to learn more about the progress being made across UNSW's campuses, operations and community.
- Log in to post comments