Goal 13 - Climate Action

Goal 13 - Climate Action

RMIT is committed to taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, aligning with global efforts to drive meaningful change.

RMIT is taking action on climate change through research, education, partnerships and operational initiatives that support emissions reduction, climate resilience and sustainability leadership. 

Researchers are developing solutions to address climate risks and support adaptation, while the University continues to reduce emissions across its operations and strengthen its transition towards a science-based net zero future. 

Through collaboration with communities, industry and government, RMIT contributes to climate action locally, nationally and globally.

Highlights of recent SDG 13 aligned activity are included below, with more information available in our 2025 Sustainability Annual Report (PDF 13 MB), with our 11 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.

2025 Case Studies

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In 2025, RMIT strengthened its climate commitments by gaining approval to transition from its previous carbon neutrality approach to a science-based net zero pathway. 

The University maintained 100 per cent renewable electricity across Australian campuses, expanded renewable energy generation and achieved a 92 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions compared with its 2007 baseline. 

By prioritising emissions reduction, renewable energy and climate resilience, RMIT continues to contribute practical solutions to the climate challenge.

The RMIT Pacific Initiative is working with Pacific communities to co-design solutions that strengthen climate resilience and support a sustainable future. 

Led by Professor Charles Hunt and Professor Tim Flannery, the initiative focuses on renewable energy, sustainable water management, climate governance and resilient infrastructure. 

Through collaboration with local communities and regional partners, RMIT is helping develop responses to some of the most significant climate challenges facing the Pacific region.

RMIT Europe is contributing to the European-funded COASTSCAPES project, which focuses on strengthening resilience in coastal communities facing environmental change. 

The initiative investigates aquatic pollution and applies nature-based solutions to improve environmental, social and economic outcomes in estuaries and coastal regions. Through international collaboration, the project is helping communities better prepare for climate impacts while protecting valuable ecosystems.

2024 Case Studies

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The Centre for Urban Research (CUR) at RMIT University is at the forefront of climate action, driving research initiatives that focus on creating regenerative environments. CUR's work is dedicated to understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change on urban settings, emphasising resilience and sustainable adaptation.

The Regenerative Environments and Climate Action theme explores innovative strategies for urban transformation, focusing on renewable energy, sustainable urban planning, and ecosystem restoration. CUR engages in interdisciplinary research to develop solutions that enhance urban resilience to climate impacts.

Through partnerships with government, industry, and community stakeholders, CUR's projects contribute to advancing knowledge and practical applications for climate mitigation and adaptation. 

These efforts showcase RMIT's commitment to fostering sustainable urban environments and promoting positive climate action, reinforcing its role as a leader in environmental research and development.

A key 2024 initiative was the launch of a project on sustainable urban planning that integrates ecosystem restoration and renewable energy solutions. This project exemplifies CUR's commitment to transforming urban spaces in response to climate challenges.

RMIT University’s Early Fault Detection (EFD) system is preventing bushfires and blackouts in North America, Europe, and Australia. This technology enables continuous 24/7 monitoring of network assets, particularly during extreme weather when failures are likely.

Successfully tested in countries like Canada, the USA, Australia, and Malaysia, the EFD system had 2,500 units installed by early 2024, monitoring over 12,500 km of powerlines and preventing more than 750 failures. 

Professor Alan Wong, who developed the technology and now leads IND Technology, highlights its role in enabling proactive and cost-effective electricity network management, and proving itself as an important climate risk mitigation tool.

The EFD system’s patented sensing method and data processing algorithm uniquely identify faults before they occur, locating potential issues within a precise 10-metre section of powerlines. This innovation shifts maintenance from reactive to preventive, enhancing safety and reliability.

In October 2024, RMIT University hosted the "Shaping Urban Futures for Climate Action" event, focusing on engaging young thought leaders in addressing climate challenges within urban settings. 

This dynamic event brought together emerging voices from academia, industry, and government to explore innovative strategies for urban resilience and climate adaptation.

The event featured keynotes and panel discussions where young leaders shared insights on sustainable urban planning, renewable energy integration, and community-driven approaches to climate resilience. 

These future-focused conversations emphasised the role of young innovators in transforming urban spaces to mitigate climate risks and promote sustainable development.

By fostering dialogue and empowering the next generation of leaders, the event highlighted RMIT's commitment to driving climate action and shaping urban futures that prioritise environmental sustainability and resilience.

SDG Alignment Mapping Overview

As reported in the 2025 Sustainability Annual Report, there were 70 course units and 209 research projects aligned with SDG 13 in 2025, representing a wide range of initiatives related to climate action. 

Other SDG alignment insights are captured in the data below.

70 Course Units

209 Research Projects

25 International Research Partnerships

245 Publications

  RMIT Global Average
Publications in Top 25% Journal Percentiles by SIR (%) 83.2 71.3
Citations per Publication 5.1 3.6
Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) 2.1 56%
National Contribution (%) 5.3% N/A
International Collaboration  64.9 30.5
Developing Country Collaboration (%) 56% N/A
Low to Lower-Middle Income Country Collaboration (%) 24% N/A

Research Projects and Initiatives Over the Years

The following research projects have been specifically aligned to Sustainable Development Goal 13 and the aim to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. These projects and initiatives are examples of the University’s contribution to the SDGs over the years.

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Australian Urban Observatory

The Australian Urban Observatory (AUO) is a new digital liveability planning tool, developed by our team from RMIT’s Centre for Urban Research, which has been specifically designed to support decision makers prioritise actions to promote health and wellbeing in their communities.

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Improved Urban Systems for Liveability

This project investigates how major cities function and the effects of their land-use, housing and infrastructure systems on the humans that live in them.

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Greenhouse and Sustainability Program

The Greenhouse and Sustainability Program (GSP) connects multi-disciplined Honours and Masters students with industry partners in real-world problem solving.

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Climate action plans for five informal settlements in Honiara, Solomon Islands

This project involves participatory action research and close collaboration with five informal settlements to identify climate vulnerabilities, their priority needs, and then to co-design potential climate actions with local stakeholders (including the identification of local implementation partners).

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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.

Learn more about our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples