Sustainability initiatives
USC has an active program of sustainability initiatives that addresses both large-scale issues such as energy, waste, recycling and the campus environment, and targeted activities such as the development and use of green cleaning practices.
Wildlife
USC is a flora and fauna reserve, spread over 100 hectares
Energy
Clean energy is more than just a lesson at USC – it’s how we will power our largest campus.
Water
Waste and recycling
Sustainable transport
Travel to campus by bike or jump on the USC Express shuttle
Sustainability governance
USC's strategic position on sustainability
Buildings
Campus buildings focus on environmentally sustainable design
Sustainability awards
Our practices have been acknowledged through a series of national awards
Sustainability research
Sustainability, aquaculture and forestry are the core research foci at USC
Study sustainability
Take the passion you have to make a difference and turn it into the job you do every day.
The latest sustainable news
How pine tree residue could help power Queensland
9 MarBioenergy produced from harvest waste across South East Queensland’s pine plantations could significantly reduce net carbon emissions and nurture an emerging industry, according to research led by the University of the Sunshine Coast.
How many tree species live on our planet?
1 FebA USC conservation scientist unafraid to go out on a limb – or crawl through thorny vines, or trek remote forests in storms – is among a group of global researchers who can now answer the question: How many tree species exist in the world?
Swimwear designer draws the line at fishing waste
18 JanAnimal Ecology graduate El Pierce, who expanded her passion for the marine environment to designing swimwear made from recycled fishing nets, is a finalist in a national competition for aspiring young female entrepreneurs.
Sustainability Report
USC is committed to achieving sustainability in terms of teaching, research and how it operates. It is important to measure what we accomplish in this space in order to understand what has been achieved and what still needs to be done. The University captures measurable data where possible and qualitative information where measurable data is not available. USC feeds this information into internal and external reporting processes. USC has developed a biennial Sustainability Report to highlight sustainability initiatives achieved, transparently track progress towards actions set out in the University's Carbon Management Plan and identify priority areas for the upcoming two-year period.
The 2018/2019 USC Sustainability Report is currently available for download.
Clean energy
We have installed 6,000+ solar panels to power a “water battery” that will cut our energy use by 40 percent – a first for an Australian university.
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Water Refill Campus Initiative
Refill your water and help us to prevent approximately 40,000 plastic water bottles per year going to landfill.
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USC Express Shuttle
USC express shuttle service provides direct USC travel routes to staff and students.
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Sustainability Scorecard Report 2020-2021
The Sustainability Scorecard Report, which is available for download, covers statistics on a range of areas including waste, energy, emissions, transport, biodiversity and water.
The University is committed to reporting on its progress towards sustainability initiatives on a regular basis. In addition to the biennial USC Sustainability Report which details initiatives, the University publishes a brief performance report annually.
The future is clean
As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, we need skilled and passionate people who can help lead the way towards a cleaner economy.