Sustainability for the Future
Not important at all
Only in limited cases directly linked to climate
Important for all
Essential for all
I have no opinion
At ATU, we are committed to economic, social and environmental sustainability for our campuses, local communities and the region, and to the wellbeing of our planet.
We will face challenging targets in relation the University's carbon footprint as a large organisation covering a wide geographical area. Through our actions on our campuses and within the University community, we will strive to empower our students and staff in the sustainable future of ATU and the transformation to a sustainable society.
As a new progressive university, we want our graduates to positively contribute to a more equitable, inclusive future firmly rooted in the respect and protection of our natural world.
Furthermore, we will work in partnership with other organisations and communities, co-creating and sharing resources which can have impact locally, nationally or internationally.
We will develop a comprehensive sustainability statement guided by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a framework for global action on pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.
Leading in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), producing graduates with disciplinary expertise in sustainability, who have a profound understanding of the climate, environmental, social, and economic implications.
Serving as a hub for research addressing pressing climate and environmental challenges, fostering collaboration in areas such as clean energy, eco-friendly technologies, circular economy, waste reduction, and resource efficiency.
Promoting diversity and societal impact through research, addressing social challenges alongside climate action, fostering governance, accountability, and community involvement for equitable outcomes.
Demonstrating operational excellence in sustainability with zero carbon emissions, and showcasing best practice in governance and accountability to the wider community.
Supporting sustainable development in our local communities, exchanging expertise and integrating educational programs to empower and promote societal wellbeing.
Our Vision 2040 will guide our Sustainablity for the Future strategic objectives for 2024-2028 in:
Governance and Accountability
Climate and Environmental Action
Education and Research
Community and Social Responsibility
Set clear climate action and sustainability targets
Move beyond compliance to adopt best practice where possible
Embed sustainability in university policies, strategies and functional units
Ensure sustainability is key component of decision-making
Implement transformative campus decarbonisation measures
Embed sustainability as a prioirity guiding principle in the University's supply chain and procurement policies
Promote sustainable transport
Implement biodiversity and habitat protection across all our campuses
Embed climate action, sustainability and the SDGs across the curriculum and research activities
Promote trans- and interdisciplinary collaboration for sustainability, climate action and the SDGs
Introduce a suite of sustainability-focused programmes
Conduct impactful sustainability research
Foster engagement of students and staff on sustainability and green campus initiatives
Develop partnerships and outreach activities to enhance sustainability initiatives beyond ATU
Co-create and share learning resources with community and industry partners
Promote equity and social justice as underpinning principles
ATU recognised for its leadership role in relation to sustainability
University is in a strong position in relation to the Climate Action Plan, 2030
Climate Action, Sustainability and the SDGs embedded as core themes across the whole curriculum
Sustainability literate and fluent graduates who are empowered to become active citizens and change agents for sustainable futures
Impactful research framed through reciprocal and action-oriented partnerships with communities and industry
ATU Living Lab Campuses as exemplar ‘lighthouse’ demonstrations of decarbonization and the circular economy
A genuine and transparent culture and ethos of sustainability infused across all functions of the University
Building recognition of our leadership role in the region
A comprehensive university sustainability statement integrating all aspects of sustainability across ATU including our actions in response to the Climate Action Plan, 2030
Mechanism in place to measure our progress against national targets including a carbon budget for the University
Sustainability is a key consideration in our decision-making processes and policy, and in the organisational structure
All academic programmes profiled in relation to sustainability
A sustainable future curriculum framework embedded in the programme development process
Sustainability Training programmes in place for all staff
International benchmarking (e.g. MyGreenLabs Certification) and green flag status for all campuses
