Client Sustainability Assessment – Higher Education Sector (Australia)
Client Profile:
Size: 7,000 staff, 50,000 students
Location: Australia
Sector: Higher Education
Key Stakeholders: Students, staff, government agencies, research bodies, industry partners, First Nations
communities
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Top-Five Potential Sustainability Issues
According to slide 4 of the resource, the most important sustainability issues for this client are:
[Link] and Emissions
Australian universities produce a lot of CO₂ from educational buildings, mostly from electricity use
(Scope 2). Energy consumption also affects operating costs.
2. Sustainable Buildings and Communities
Since 65% of fixed assets are in buildings, improving energy efficiency and using sustainable
construction methods are key for cost savings and achieving climate goals.
3. Waste Management and Circular Economy
Large student populations lead to significant waste generation. Therefore, recycling, reusing, and
sustainable purchasing are crucial.
4. Teaching and Learning for Sustainability
More students are choosing universities based on their sustainability reputation. Incorporating
sustainability into the curriculum is both a request and a way to improve reputation.
5. Climate Adaptation and Resilience:
With changing climate patterns, it is essential to ensure that infrastructure and policies support
adaptation and resilience.
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. Best Practices and Tools to Address These Issues
1. Energy and Emissions
Tools: TCS iON Energy Management System, Clever Energy Suite
Practices: Establishing energy audits, using predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, optimizing
HVAC systems
Standards: ISO 50001, National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER)
2. Sustainable Buildings
Practices: Obtaining Green Star and NABERS certifications, designing for Net Zero, planning for
passive solar energy
Tools: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), energy modelling, sourcing circular materials
3. Waste Management and Circular Economy**
Practices: Setting circular economy KPIs, implementing campus-wide recycling programs, engaging
suppliers
Tools: Aligning with ISO 20400, using sustainability procurement platforms
Frameworks: Digital sustainability assessments, value chain mapping
4. Teaching and Learning for Sustainability
Practices: Integrating core curriculum, developing interdisciplinary courses, promoting work-
integrated learning
Tools: Sustainability maturity models, using engagement metrics
Initiatives: Supporting student-led green campaigns, raising awareness of UN SDGs
5. Climate Adaptation and Resilience
Practices: Designing resilient infrastructure, modelling different scenarios, engaging stakeholders
(especially First Nations)
Tools: Digital Sustainability Index, performing carbon risk analysis
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1. Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (CRFD):
The Australian Government is moving toward mandatory climate-related disclosures aligned
with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Higher education institutions are expected to report climate risks and financial implications,
particularly those managing large assets or superannuation funds.
✅ 2. National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme:
Universities that exceed certain energy usage or emissions thresholds are required to
report annually under the NGER Act.
This affects operational transparency on carbon footprints and drives decarbonization
strategies.
✅ 3. Modern Slavery Act (2018):
Institutions with revenue over $100 million AUD must assess and report modern slavery
risks in their operations and supply chains.
Universities must ensure ethical sourcing, especially in procurement and construction.
✅ 4. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and TEFCA Reporting:
Many Australian universities report voluntarily on sustainability in alignment with the UN
SDGs.
The Tertiary Education Facilities Management Association (TEFMA) sets sustainability
benchmarks for energy, water, and waste.
✅ 5. State-Based Environmental Legislation:
Each state/territory government may have specific policies—for instance:
o NSW Net Zero Plan
o Victoria’s Climate Change Act 2017
o Institutions must align their campus operations and capital works with these
regional goals.
✅ 6. Procurement Frameworks (Social and Environmental):
Public universities must often adhere to ethical procurement policies and sustainability
criteria in tenders and partnerships, especially if using public funds.
✅ 7. EPBC Act Compliance:
Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, institutions must
assess and mitigate significant impacts on protected environments or species, especially
during campus development projects.
Prepared by:
Mallepogula Ganesh,
13/06/2025,
TCS Sustainability Analyst.
