2025: Sustainability report shows real-world impact on climate, equity and education – University of Wollongong – University of Wollongong – UOW

University of Wollongong: 2024 Sustainable Development Goals Report Summary

Introduction

The University of Wollongong (UOW) has released its 2024 Sustainable Development Goals Report, coinciding with its 50th anniversary. The report details the university’s contributions to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its research, partnerships, and operational initiatives. The findings underscore UOW’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and equitable future, aligning with its Vision 2035 strategic plan.

Overall Performance and Global Rankings

In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, UOW achieved a global ranking of 31st. The university demonstrated strong performance across multiple SDGs, placing in the top 100 globally for 14 of the 17 goals. Notable rankings include:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Ranked 10th globally.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Ranked 11th globally.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Ranked 21st globally.

Key Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals

Environment and Climate Action

UOW research has significantly advanced understanding of critical environmental issues, directly supporting global climate action efforts.

• SDG 13: Climate Action: Research initiatives included uncovering the causes of Antarctica’s most extreme heatwave and revealing the accelerated warming of the Great Barrier Reef.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water & SDG 15: Life on Land: Studies were conducted on the impact of microplastic pollution and the increasing frequency of bushfires.

Industry, Innovation, and Energy Transformation

Through strategic partnerships, UOW is a leader in sustainable industrial and energy solutions, contributing to several interconnected SDGs.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The university is advancing clean energy innovation and renewable technologies.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: A focus on sustainable manufacturing is driven by collaborations with industry and government.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Operational achievements include a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2019, an 81% reduction in paper consumption, and the deployment of electric campus shuttle buses.

Health and Wellbeing

UOW research teams have developed innovative solutions to improve public health outcomes, aligning with SDG 3.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Key projects include the development of AI-assisted technology for suicide prevention in prisons, the implementation of home-based cardiac rehabilitation programs, and the establishment of early childhood nutrition initiatives.

Social Equity and Reduced Inequalities

The university has demonstrated a profound commitment to social inclusion and equity, earning national recognition and directly addressing SDG 10.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: UOW was named Australia’s top university for equity by the Australian Financial Review, with 40% of its student body from underrepresented backgrounds.
• SDG 1: No Poverty & SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Initiatives such as the Pulse Pantry and the Sustainable Futures Equity Scholarship provide direct support to students experiencing hardship.

Global Partnerships and Quality Education

UOW’s expanding global presence reinforces its commitment to accessible and inclusive education worldwide.

• SDG 4: Quality Education: The establishment of campuses in Dubai, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and India extends access to high-quality education for diverse international communities.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: This global network strengthens international partnerships and empowers students and communities on a global scale.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) contributions to several Sustainable Development Goals through its research, partnerships, and operational activities. Based on the text, the following SDGs are addressed:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Mentioned through research on AI-assisted suicide prevention, cardiac rehabilitation, and nutrition programs.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: Addressed by UOW’s commitment to accessible and inclusive education, its global campuses, and support for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Explicitly mentioned as an area where UOW has a high global ranking (10th).
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: Connected to the university’s work in clean energy innovation and renewable technologies.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Reflected in partnerships with industry, clean energy innovation, and sustainable manufacturing.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Explicitly mentioned with a high ranking (11th) and supported by initiatives for social equity, inclusion, and support for students from diverse backgrounds.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Evidenced by operational gains such as a significant reduction in paper use.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: Explicitly mentioned with a high ranking (21st) and demonstrated through research on heatwaves, bushfires, and a reduction in institutional greenhouse gas emissions.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water: Addressed through research on the Great Barrier Reef’s warming and microplastic pollution.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: Connected to studies on bushfire frequency.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Implied through the repeated emphasis on partnerships with industry and government to solve global challenges.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

The article’s content points to several specific SDG targets:

1. Under SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being):
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. This is supported by the mention of “home-based cardiac rehabilitation” and “AI-assisted suicide prevention.”
2. Under SDG 4 (Quality Education):
   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university. This is reflected in UOW’s global network providing “accessible, inclusive high-quality education.”
   • Target 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable. This is supported by the fact that “40 per cent of students from underrepresented backgrounds” attend UOW.
3. Under SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. This is connected to UOW’s leadership in “clean energy innovation” and “renewable technologies.”
4. Under SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):
   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. This is demonstrated by UOW being named “Australia’s top university for equity” and having a high percentage of students from underrepresented backgrounds.
5. Under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production):
   • Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. The “81 per cent reduction in paper use” is a direct contribution to this target.
6. Under SDG 13 (Climate Action):
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. UOW’s research on “Antarctica’s most extreme heatwave,” “the Great Barrier Reef’s accelerating warming,” and “bushfire frequency” contributes directly to this target. The “15 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions” demonstrates institutional capacity building.
7. Under SDG 14 (Life Below Water):
   • Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds. Research on “microplastic pollution” aligns with this target.
8. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. The article emphasizes that UOW’s progress is driven by “partnerships with industry and government.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can measure progress:

• Quantitative Indicators:
  • A “15 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2019” serves as an indicator for climate action (SDG 13).
  • An “81 per cent reduction in paper use” is a direct indicator of responsible consumption and waste reduction (SDG 12).
  • The statistic that “40 per cent of students from underrepresented backgrounds” is an indicator for progress on quality education and reducing inequalities (SDG 4 and SDG 10).
  • The specific rankings in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, such as “10th for Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6),” “11th for Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10),” and “21st for Climate Action (SDG 13),” are high-level indicators of performance.
• Qualitative and Programmatic Indicators:
  • The “introduction of electric campus shuttle buses” indicates a shift towards sustainable transport and climate action (SDG 13).
  • The development of specific research projects and programs like “AI-assisted suicide prevention,” “home-based cardiac rehabilitation,” and “early childhood nutrition programs” are indicators of contributions to health and well-being (SDG 3).
  • The existence of support initiatives such as “Pulse Pantry” and the “Sustainable Futures Equity Scholarship” indicates institutional commitment to reducing inequality (SDG 10).
  • The publication of research on “Antarctica’s most extreme heatwave,” “the Great Barrier Reef’s accelerating warming,” “bushfire frequency,” and “microplastic pollution” serves as an indicator of the university’s contribution to scientific knowledge for climate action and environmental protection (SDG 13, 14, 15).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: uow.edu.au