For the third year in a row, The University of Queensland has been recognised among the top 10 universities in the world in the Wellbeing and Work category of the international Sustainable Campus Index.
Compiled annually by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), the index uses data from more than 900 tertiary institutions around the world that participate in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS). Top performers are recognised across a range of environmental, economic and social sustainability impact areas.
AASHE’s executive director, Meghan Fay Zahniser, praised UQ for its strong result.
“All of us at AASHE extend our warmest congratulations to UQ for their achievement,” Ms Zahniser said.
“By fostering sustainable practices and initiatives, you set an inspiring example for your peers and future generations. Your efforts are a testament to the positive impact that institutions can make when they prioritise sustainability and take meaningful action.”
A broad sustainability framework
The Wellbeing and Work category draws an explicit link between the physical and mental health of an institution’s staff and students, and its overall “character and capacity to perform”, according to the index report.
The STARS category (from which the index determines its ratings) establishes tangible metrics that enable the higher education sector to track its progress in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) numbers 1, 3 and 8 - relating to good health and wellbeing, decent work and no poverty.
The UN SDGs promote a broad-based approach to sustainability, which recognises that healthcare, education, gender equality and a range of other social goals must all work hand-in-hand to achieve environmental, community and economic advancement over the long-term.
UQ also acknowledges the importance of creating positive workplace and study conditions, designating Wellbeing as one of the formal goal areas within its own sustainability strategy.
The University supports sustainability and wellbeing through a number of wellness initiatives, healthcare programs, workplace surveys, sports facilities and campus safety programs.
In its current published STARS report, UQ achieved a score of 81% in the Wellbeing and work category, compared to an international average of 47%.
STARS reporting in Australasia is supported by the Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS) organisation, of which UQ is a member. UQ staff and students can register with the network for free to gain access to a variety of additional sustainability resources. Find out more about UQ and ACTS.
