Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

RMIT is committed to ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns by advancing the circular economy and promoting responsible resource use.

Our research initiatives focus on developing innovative solutions to reduce waste and optimise resource management, reflecting our dedication to environmental sustainability. By integrating these principles into teaching and research, RMIT fosters eco-friendly practices across various sectors.

Additionally, the university manages waste responsibly through its operations, implementing strategies to minimise environmental impact. These efforts not only contribute to a sustainable future but also empower students and researchers to lead in creating impactful solutions that drive positive change in industries and communities globally.

Highlights of recent SDG 12 aligned activity are included below, with more information available in our 2024 Sustainability Annual Report (PDF 23 MB), with our 10 years of reporting progress outlined on the Sustainability Annual Report webpage.

Broader sustainability contributions are also highlighted in our organisational Annual Report, which are tabled in the Victorian Parliament.

2024 Case Studies

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In 2024, RMIT Professor Usha Iyer-Raniga released a pivotal book addressing how sustainable construction can tackle climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The book highlights the achievements and influence of the One Planet Network’s Sustainable Buildings and Construction (SBC) program, launched in 2015, in promoting global sustainable building solutions.

By aligning circular built environment indicators with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the book offers pathways for achieving these goals while acknowledging the challenges in global implementation. It proposes leveraging insights from the SBC program to further advance circular practices, aiming for a sustainable future in the building sector.

This work provides valuable insights for professionals in planning, architecture, engineering, and construction, and offers practical guidance to policymakers committed to sustainability. Professor Iyer-Raniga’s book is a testament to the integration of learning, teaching, and research in positively influencing the construction industry and contributing to environmental and economic sustainability.

An RMIT University innovation has been integrated into a major infrastructure project for the first time. 

Organic waste, such as spent coffee grounds, contributes to 3 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Dr Rajeev Roychand and his team have developed a method to transform this waste into a construction resource by enhancing concrete strength by 30 per cent using coffee biochar. This biochar is created through a low-energy, oxygen-free process at 350°C, reducing landfill waste and giving coffee grounds a second life.

In the Pakenham Roads Upgrade, Major Road Projects Victoria and contractor BildGroup used biochar made from coffee grounds to partially replace the river sand mixed in with concrete. Earth Systems converted 5 tonnes of grounds - equivalent to 140,000 coffees - into 2 tonnes of biochar, used in the 30m³ footpath on McGregor Road.

This application is part of several circular economy initiatives in the Pakenham Roads Upgrade, including reusing soil for embankments and using foam bitumen and rubber tyre road barriers. The researchers also acknowledged the Indigenous-owned coffee supplier Talwali Coffee Roasters for providing used ground coffee for the research.

In November 2024, RMIT hosted the Alumni Green Business Showcase at its Saigon South campus, centring on sustainable practices with a strong emphasis on reuse. 

The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Martin Blake, an expert in sustainable business, and highlighted innovative projects like GreenConnect, which repurposes clothing and books, and VietRecycles, an app enhancing recycling logistics.

A panel discussion brought attention to the vital role of collaboration between businesses and communities in driving sustainability. The showcase provided RMIT alumni entrepreneurs a platform to share insights and foster connections, encouraging the advancement of green initiatives. 

This event not only underscored RMIT's commitment to sustainability but also highlighted its role in empowering alumni to contribute to a more environmentally friendly future. Through these initiatives, RMIT continues to demonstrate leadership in promoting sustainable business practices and inspiring positive change.

SDG Alignment Mapping Overview

As reported in the 2024 Sustainability Annual Report, there were 294 course units and 432 research projects aligned with SDG 12 in 2024, representing a wide range of initiatives related to responsible consumption and production.

Other research insights are captured in the data below.

  • Course Units (Total): 294
  • Research Projects (Total): 432
  • International Research Partnerships (Total): 65
  • Publications (Total): 230
  • Publications in Top 25% Journal Percentiles by SJR (%): RMIT - 82.4 vs. Global Average - 61.8 
  • Citations per Publication: RMIT - 3.3 vs. Global Average - 2.3 
  • Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI): RMIT - 1.4 vs. Global Average - 1.3
  • National Publication Contribution (%): 6.0%
  • International Collaboration (%): RMIT - 57.0 vs. Global Average - 28.3
  • Developing Country Collaboration (%): 54%
  • Low to Lower-Middle Income Country Collaboration (%): 33%

Research Projects and Initiatives Over the Years

The following research projects have been specifically aligned to Sustainable Development Goal 12 and the aim to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. These projects and initiatives are examples of the University’s contribution to the SDGs over the years.

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Aquatic Pollution Prevention Partnership

The aims of this research partnership between Melbourne Water and RMIT University is to help prevent aquatic pollution.

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Centre of Excellence in future Low Energy Electronics Technologies (FLEET)

Decreasing energy use is a grand challenge facing society. The ARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies (FLEET) is a partnership with Monash University that addresses this challenge by realizing fundamentally new types of electronic conduction without resistance in solid-state systems at room temperature.

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The Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Vietnam

Conventional farming in developing countries contributes to climate change and environment deterioration while bringing negative health effects to both farmers and consumers. Arguable it will not solve the problem of food security.

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The Litter Trackers: Reducing Littering by Education

Most litter that ends up in Port Phillip Bay comes from the catchments. Education is an integral tool for achieving long-term change in community behaviors and reducing litter in waterways and the Bay.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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