Achieving our sustainability targets

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Despite Macquarie’s continued growth in both buildings and campus population, our focus on efficiency has delivered results against our energy, emissions, water and waste reduction targets.

Targets for energy, emissions, water and waste reduction were established in 2014 under the Macquarie University Campus Master Plan.

2022 progress

2022 Sustainability target progress: 45% reduction in energy intensity achieved; 90% reduction in emissions intensity achieved; 40% reduction in water intensity achieved; 90% reduction in waste to landfill achieved

For more information, and graphs showing our progress in each of the above areas, download our tracking reports:

  • 10% reduction in total annual consumption since 2009, despite 58% increase in gross floor area
  • reduced reliance on gas with increased electrical efficiency and solar use
Energy intensity
  • target 40% reduction against 2009 baseline
  • target exceeded with 45% reduction achieved, despite 58% increase in gross floor area

Our energy intensity target is measured by tonnes of gigajoules used per square meter of gross floor area.

  • 95% reduction in overall annual electricity emissions for 2022 with the commencement our 100% renewable electricity contracts
Emissions intensity
  • target 40% reduction by 2030 against 2009 baseline
  • target well and truly exceeded with 90% reduction against 2009 baseline for 2022

Our emissions intensity target is measured by tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent measured per square meter of gross floor area.

  • 21% reduction in total annual water consumption from 2009 levels despite 58% increase in campus gross floor area
Water consumption intensity
  • 40% reduction against 2009 baseline (target 40% reduction by 2030)

Our water consumption intensity target is measured by amount consumed per person (EFTSL + FTE).

  • 90% reduction in waste to landfill against 2009 baseline (target 90% reduction achieved)

Pathway to carbon neutral

We are undertaking activities to achieve carbon emission reduction goals for our campus.

View emission reduction plan
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E: Sustainability unit