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Environmental impact
Sustainability is not just a key element of the design of the University’s buildings and grounds; it is an area of research and teaching focus. As part of its mission, USC seeks to be an exemplar not only of sustainable campus development but also within the region.
Sustainability research
The University conducts significant research in this field and many projects have direct relationship to the region.
Sustainability Research Centre
Established in 2007, the Centre presently has over 50 researchers and twenty-two PhD students. Current projects focus on coastal management, climate change adaptation, water management, natural and cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism. The Centre has secured almost $3M in competitive grants since 2007, with a range of proposals still under consideration. The Director of the Centre won the prestigious Australian Museum Eureka Prize, along with his research partners, for work on climate change adaptation.
Tank-bred tuna
USC was part of a research collaboration that won second place in Time Magazine’s 50 best inventions of 2009 for the tank-bred tuna project. The project was supported by the Australian Seafood Cooperative Research Centre and coordinated by Clean Seas Tuna Limited.
Forestry growth rates
Joint forestry research by USC, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, and CSIRO has resulted in projects worth $7M in recent years. Projects include enhancing growth rates of sub-tropical timber forests leading to higher carbon sequestration.
South East Queensland Climate Adaptation Research Initiative
USC won $860,000 in funding to become part of this collaborative study with CSIRO, two Brisbane universities (UQ, GU), and the Australian and Queensland Governments. Researchers are assessing the climate change vulnerability of the region (from Noosa to Coolangatta and west to Toowoomba) and determining how ready the region is for climate change, what strategies are required, and which are the most cost effective.
National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility
USC is a partner in the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, which aims to generate the information needed by decision makers in government and in vulnerable sectors and communities to manage the risks of climate change.
Wildlife Endowment Fund
The Fund will support the ongoing study and monitoring of native wildlife on campus—particularly kangaroos. Studies of the University’s kangaroo population conducted during the year found no major change in numbers around campus or in the surrounding areas, despite increased student numbers and visitor activity. Other research found significant evidence of inbreeding in the Eastern Grey kangaroo population.
Fraser Island Research and Learning Centre
Over 14,000 researchers, students and members of the public visited USC’s Research and Learning Centre on World-Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Areas of research undertaken included the development of strategies for preventing fires, weed management, vehicle impacts on flora and fauna, conservation genetics, reproductive ecology of rare species, and ecotourism.
Sustainability studies
At undergraduate level, most students, irrespective of their discipline, can complete a four course minor in sustainability, which encourages students to apply the principles of sustainability to their career, a business idea, or everyday lifestyle. At postgraduate level, USC was the first to offer a masters degree in climate change adaptation, producing its first graduates in 2009. Postgraduate study in sustainability can be undertaken in sustainability, climate change adaptation, environmental change management, coastal zone management, and wetlands management.
World Environment Day (Sunshine Coast)
USC is a partner in and host for the staging of World Environment Day every year. In 2011, roughly 8,000 community members came on campus to experience the fun and learn about innovative approaches to environmental sustainability. The event partners are USC, Sunshine Coast Council and the Sunshine Coast Environment Council.
Campus buildings
In 2011, USC became the first university in Australia to gain full EnviroDevelopment accrediatation from the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) for achieving in elements of sustainability across six categories - ecosystems, waste, energy, material, water and community.
This achievement is a reflection of an early commitment to developing the USC campus as an environmental exemplar.
Transport initiatives
Since the construction of the $6M bus interchange on campus in 2009, which was designed to increase the use of public transport by staff and students, the University has developed a range of other transport initiatives.
These include the puchase of hybrid fleet vehicles and a solar powered catering buggy, the provision of a Bike Hub and funding and land for additional cycle and walkways linked to the campus, the introduction of a Noosa Shuttle at a cost of $80,000, and the development of inner carparks for multi passenger vehicles.
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