UWA is committed to managing its climate risks and building resilience against the impacts of climate change. We are actively taking steps to understand the nature and consequences of material climate risks and identify opportunities that support the transition to a net-zero society.

As a member of the Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability Climate Scenario Working Group, UWA is collaborating with other universities to develop high-level climate scenarios for the tertiary education sector in Australia. This work will help guide UWA and other institutions in conducting climate risk assessments and climate adaptation planning.

The University will communicate about its climate-related risks and opportunities by aligning with emerging Australian climate reporting standards. Learn more about UWA’s climate risk governance and reporting.

The University is committed to achieving full abatement of greenhouse gas emissions generated from its operations (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) by 2025.

By 2024, the University has achieved 70% abatement from 2021 levels and remains on track to achieve 100% abatement by 2025.

Our emissions reductions have been achieved through:

• Energy efficiency projects, including upgrades to lighting and mechanical systems.
• Installation of solar photovoltaic arrays.
• Purchasing renewable energy certificates generated by the Warradarge Wind Farm to offset electricity use (Scope 2 emissions)
• Purchasing carbon credits to offset natural gas use (bulk of Scope 1 emissions), with credits supporting the kelp reforestation project derived from research by the UWA Oceans Institute.

Information on the University’s energy use and generation is available on the Sustainable Campus Dashboard. 

Additionally, we are actively working to measure and report our Scope 3 emissions, which include emissions generated across our value chain. Our goal is to achieve carbon neutrality for Scope 3 emissions by 2040, and steps are already being taken to meet this target.

UWA’s Carbon Neutral Events Program assists event organisers in identifying and measuring emissions, applying reduction strategies, and offsetting remaining emissions.

UWA’s Crawley campus is home to a variety of flora and fauna, with an extensive collection of mature endemic and exotic species. These environmental assets hold significant value and are central to the University’s identity, culture, and heritage.

Our commitment to preserving the ‘Campus in a Park’ planning approach has made the Crawley campus one of the most beautiful universities in the world. The campus is a valuable asset to the State and a major attraction for students, staff, and visitors.

The University maintains a comprehensive inventory of its trees, including those of historical significance, which can be explored via the Sustainable Campus Dashboard. Explore the campus to discover the oldest tree or those planted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip in 1963. With a canopy cover of 31%, the Crawley campus can be considered an urban forest.

The 2020 UWA Crawley Campus Masterplan outlines our vision to enhance the natural environment by connecting the campus to the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) to the east and Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park) to the north. The Masterplan also includes plans for biodiversity corridors and cultural walks, such as the Marri Biddi (Marri Walk) and Briana Biddi (Banksia Walk), which highlight Indigenous perspectives on the interdependence of local ecosystems.

The University is committed to managing water resources responsibly, acknowledging the ongoing decline in rainfall across south-west Western Australia due to climate change. We are focused on conserving water through efficient use, design for water sensitive landscapes and safeguarding water ecosystems from climate change and pollution.

Some key initiatives include:

• Using recycled water to irrigate the playing fields at McGillivray Sports Park.
• Installing water efficient fixtures in all refurbishments and new developments.
• Using closed-loop process water systems for research equipment.
• Designing water sensitive urban landscapes.

The University is committed to promoting circular economy principles in its operations and value chain. This approach focuses on sustainable procurement, responsible and efficient resource use, and minimising waste.

Through our Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, the University has committed to aligning its procurement practices with the ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement standard, integrating sustainability principles into procurement at the strategic, organisational, and procedural levels. We will actively assess the impacts of our procurement and pursue opportunities to improve environmental, social, and economic outcomes in our value chain.

We recognise the importance of behavioural and cultural change in achieving waste-related sustainability outcomes. The University will engage its community to minimise waste while promoting correct disposal and recycling practices.

The University offers reuse and recycle processes for various waste streams, including:

• Co-mingled recycling
• Organic waste
• Polystyrene
• Batteries
• Paper and cardboard
• E-waste
• Clothing (biannual collection)

Refer to the Campus Map to find collection points across campus.

The Recycling Hub on ground floor of Reid Library (B139) provides access to specialised recycling streams, including:

• Mobile phones
• Stationery
• Plastic lids
• Eye glasses
• Drink containers (Container Deposit Scheme)
• Printer cartridges
• E-waste and batteries