Australian National University acts on climate change

Achieving below zero is ambitious and it will involve big changes to the way we do things – but as the national university, we must show leadership in driving a societal transformation to address climate change

Professor Schmidt, ANU

To limit climate change countries, institutions, businesses and organizations need to take action and make the change as fast as possible and as effective as possible for the long term.

In Australia, the Australian National University (ANU) has become the first tertiary institution to commit to reducing greenhouse emissions to below zero by 2030.

The Below Zero Initiative aims to achieve below zero emissions for energy, waste, work travel and direct on-campus greenhouse gas emissions.

The university will reach the aim by integrating practical emission reductions with research and teaching activities at ANU. The university commits to not only reducing and offsetting their emissions but also to promote innovation by using their expertise and engage the community and be an example and supporter to other organizations and universities in Australia and around the world.

The university will integrate the Below Zero into research and teaching by creating research projects and internships and engage with new students and attract their interest in the initiative.

ANU Vice-Chancellor Brian Schmidt said that they would tackle climate change by not only reducing emissions but offsetting any emissions the University cannot avoid.

Professor Schmidt said: “Achieving below zero is ambitious and it will involve big changes to the way we do things – but as the national university, we must show leadership in driving a societal transformation to address climate change.”

The ANU council recognized the importance of action on climate change in February 2020 followed by a University-wide consultation in September and October 2020. This resulted in gathering the objectives and ideas into ANU below zero strategy.