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Achieving Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality in Higher Education Institutions: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Gaurangi Sen

    (College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia)

  • Hing-Wah Chau

    (College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
    Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia)

  • Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman Tariq

    (College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
    Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia)

  • Nitin Muttil

    (College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
    Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia)

  • Anne W. M. Ng

    (College of Engineering, Information Technology and Environment, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan, Brinkin, NT 0810, Australia)

Abstract

Universities and higher education institutions play an important role in achieving a sustainable future through their teaching and by undertaking cutting edge research to combat climate change. There have been several efforts towards a sustainable future and achieving carbon neutrality at higher education institutions in Australia and around the world. This study has reviewed the sustainability strategies of numerous universities in Australia and has identified as study cases six universities that are committed to and leading the implementation of initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality. The initiatives implemented at the selected universities were classified into eight “sustainability categories”, namely, built environment, energy, food and gardens, GHG emissions, natural environment, resource and waste management, transport, and water. Among the selected leading universities in sustainability, Charles Sturt University and the University of Tasmania (UTAS) are the only universities in Australia certified as carbon neutral. An interesting aspect of this review is the way in which universities are implementing sustainability initiatives in line with their mission and strategies. Despite striving towards the same end goal of achieving carbon neutrality, different institutions offer individually unique approaches towards sustainability. For example, UTAS values the creation, expansion and dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of continual learning, which is clearly demonstrated through its initiatives and policies. The findings in this review are critical in identifying those institutions of higher education which are role models in their strong commitment to achieving carbon neutrality. Such role model universities can pave the way for similar climate action at other universities.

Suggested Citation

  • Gaurangi Sen & Hing-Wah Chau & Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman Tariq & Nitin Muttil & Anne W. M. Ng, 2021. "Achieving Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality in Higher Education Institutions: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-27, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2021:i:1:p:222-:d:711480
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Millot, Ariane & Maïzi, Nadia, 2021. "From open-loop energy revolutions to closed-loop transition: What drives carbon neutrality?," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    2. Opel, O. & Strodel, N. & Werner, K.F. & Geffken, J. & Tribel, A. & Ruck, W.K.L., 2017. "Climate-neutral and sustainable campus Leuphana University of Lueneburg," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 2628-2639.
    3. Heleen L. Soest & Michel G. J. Elzen & Detlef P. Vuuren, 2021. "Net-zero emission targets for major emitting countries consistent with the Paris Agreement," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
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    1. Fatma Şener Fidan, 2025. "Fuzzy Logic–Enhanced PMC Index for Assessing Policies for Decarbonization in Higher Education: Evidence from a Public University," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-31, October.
    2. Dragana Djukic-Min & James Norcross & Elizabeth Searing, 2025. "The Effect of Shared and Inclusive Governance on Environmental Sustainability at U.S. Universities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-27, July.
    3. Guorui Chen & Li Cheng & Foyuan Li, 2022. "Integrating Sustainability and Users’ Demands in the Retrofit of a University Campus in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-21, August.

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