Carbon and climate

• In 2021, RMIT received an Australasian Green Gown for Climate Action, this category recognises institutions that are taking innovative approaches to reach net-zero emissions targets. The judges felt RMIT was a deserving winner, with an application outlining the University's efforts to drive down emissions with a heavy focus on renewables, PPA frameworks and significant financial investments. They stated “It’s clear RMIT are taking a different approach to other institutions by using offsetting as a last resort and working hard to reduce their carbon footprint through all available means. Their responsible investment policy should also be commended”.
• Following over five years of work to move the investment market for small-scale investors, RMIT worked with its external investment manager Russell Investments to launch a new sustainable global fund. This marked the final step in minimising the exposure to companies with a material impact on climate change. The initiative is in line with RMIT’s Responsible Investment Principles, the University’s External Fund Managers confirmed that the entire RMIT Portfolio had no exposure to fossil fuels as of 31 March 2021.

The Carbon Management Plan provides strategic guidance for RMIT University to manage its greenhouse gas emissions profile and outlines scenarios for the future. The Plan serves as a commitment by RMIT University to accurately measure, report and manage the emissions profile of the University.

RMIT follows the carbon management hierarchy of eliminating emissions from operations in the first instance. Reducing onsite emissions requires more perseverance and strategic capital investment in comparison to offsetting, RMIT considers this to be a more practical approach to emissions management. RMIT is proud to be the leading tertiary institution for onsite emissions reductions globally.

In 2021, RMIT achieved a 74% decrease in operational emissions from the 2007 emissions baseline (covering scope 1 and 2 building emissions). The majority of this reduction is due to energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy contracting. It should be noted that the continued impact of COVID-19 had an influence on the 2021 emissions profile, contributing an estimated 14% reduction.

A continued focus on energy efficiency and increasing on-site and off-site renewable energy generation is a key strategic pillar to reducing emissions. Programs include the prioritisation of energy efficiency in the built environment, progressively upgrading existing buildings, installation of on-site solar PV and contracting long-term renewable energy. These projects are reducing the University’s energy consumption and substantially increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.

The Climate Change Adaptation Plan is to ensure that our community and infrastructure can continue to operate in a safe and sustainable manner in any climate or extreme weather event scenario.

In 2017, RMIT completed a $128 million program to reduce energy and water use, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with campus operations. The program of works included on-site electrical generation, high-efficiency boiler and chiller upgrades, over 40,000 LED light fittings, water savings fittings and fixtures, rainwater harvesting and upgrades to building management systems.

The Sustainable Urban Precincts Program was the largest energy performance contract in the southern hemisphere. Delivering over 30,000 tonnes of emissions savings every year. For more information visit our SUPP page.

RMIT has demonstrated sustainability leadership through our role in two large-scale renewable energy purchasing groups with the City of Melbourne - the Melbourne Renewable Energy Projects 1 & 2. These two renewable energy supply agreements contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of affordable and clean energy and climate action.