RMIT University, Australia

The RMIT Journey Towards Carbon Neutral

RMIT is taking strategic steps to become carbon neutral by 2030, through genuine actions that demonstrate sustainability leadership in emissions reduction and innovative partnerships.

Building on the success of delivering the largest energy performance contract in the southern hemisphere, RMIT has participated and led two large-scale corporate power purchase agreements, rolled out volumes of on-site solar PV, prioritising energy efficiency in capital development projects, refurbishments and asset replacement programs, uplifted design standards to go over and above the National Construction Code, embedded sustainability into all large University tenders and completely divested its philanthropic funds from fossil fuels.

What the Judges Thought

An impressive volume of emissions reduction was gained through the programme of activity.

Top 3 Learnings

1. The importance of an ambitious target such as Carbon Neutral by 2030, to capture the attention of the University executive, wider staff, and students. 
2. Showcase initiatives and learnings to others so they can undertake similar work, compounding the impact of the initial work.
3. If you want to make genuine change, you have to define what climate action looks like and find partners who are willing to move the industry with you.