Western Sydney University, Australia

Co-design towards climate positive

In 2021, Western Sydney University committed to the UN-led “Race to Zero for Colleges and Universities” setting targets of Carbon Neutral 2023 and Climate Positive 2029. This proposal outlines the co-design strategies underway for mitigation, adaptation, engagement and broader integration.

In 2023, Climate Active certification was achieved as Carbon Neutral, and a 5 Year Carbon Transition Plan was developed with Veolia Energy Solutions and key functional representatives building upon carbon engineering and co-design. Resilience planning for adaptation has followed two iterations adapting the Resilient Cities model and lessons learned from the 2019-2020 bushfires.

Engagement has focused around Living Labs, building upon established initiatives with developing strategic Nature Positive, Circular Economy and Smart Building clusters. These provide the emerging strategic narrative towards our Climate Positive target.

Top 3 Learnings

1. Building an organisational  context for a  Climate Positive pathway.
2. Recognising resilience requirements for community and University environment.
3. Building upon tactical and strategic living labs.