UC's commitment to the SDGs
UC is committed to contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These global goals are critical to foster a better future for current and future generations, and for our planet. Learn about the ways UC is contributing to the achievement of these goals.
We launched our new Sustainability Policy in 2020, and it commits to four values and priorities. We will increase awareness of environmentally sustainable development and engagement; identify and implement affordable, evidence-based, sustainable business practises to reduce and manage our own ecological footprint; support teaching, learning and research in sustainability topic areas; and have meaningful partnerships with Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi. Partnering with Māori is recognised as crucial and we are embedding Te Ao Māori knowledge systems in our research, and our teaching and learning programmes.
Further to this commitment, our current sustainable development strategy focusses our research, education and operations towards supporting five core elements. We are continuing our attention on improving environmental sustainability at UC, and reducing our CO2 emissions. We want to increase learning opportunities for students in the SDGs, and increase our multi-stakeholder partnerships and community outreach. We will continue our efforts to contribute towards solving sustainability challenges for New Zealanders, our Pacific Island neighbours, and the global community. Sustainability requires an ongoing commitment and the highest priority, and we are working hard to make every day count. [Sustainability Plan]
Partnerships for the Goals
From the NZ Green Building Council to the Race to Zero Campaign, UC has memberships with a range national and international organisations. [Partnerships for the goals]
Sustainability Office
The Sustainability Office promotes sustainable practices on campus and in the wider community. [Sustainability Office]
The Sustainabiity Office reports on UC"s progress towards its sustainability targets. [Sustainability Office reports]
Sustainability Committee and Sustainable Programme Board
The Sustainability Committee promotes sustainability in UC's curriculum and research, and the Sustainable Programme Board provides advice and insights on current campus projects concerned with Sustainability. [Sustainability Committee and Board]
Green Impact
UC is actively participating in Green Impact, a UN award-winning engagement programme promoting environmentally and socially sustainable practices across the campus and beyond. Green Impact at UC is run by the Sustainability Hub and administered by Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS).
UC offers a wide range of degrees, majors, and minors with a specific focus on sustainability, and indexes courses by SDG. [Study sustainability]
UC plays an important role in New Zealand’s education, research, policy formation, and information exchange, all of which are crucial to building a sustainable world. [Research in sustainability]
Select a goal below to learn more about our contributions, or download the UC Sustainable Development Goals 2023 Update.