Our journey to a sustainable future 

Murdoch University has a long and proud history in sustainability and environmental science.  A sustainable mindset is embedded deeply in our community.  

Since its inception in 1973, Murdoch University has been a trailblazer in championing sustainability, guided by a deep-rooted sustainability ethos and a commitment to listening to the First Knowledges of this land. From its earliest days, the University has embraced a grassroots approach to driving change, with academics leading the charge in recognising and addressing the environmental challenges facing our world. 

As a key pillar of Murdoch University’s Strategy – Ngala Kwop Biddi - Building a Brighter Future, Together we are committed to being a leading university in education, teaching, and translational research in sustainability, nurturing mindsets and creating solutions for a better and more sustainable world.  

We are a university renowned for our commitment to and expertise in sustainability, and environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), providing a model and the tools for behaving and operating sustainably.  

Looking ahead, our future is guided by confident leadership and a clear strategic vision for a safe and sustainable future for all. With ambitious goals of achieving net zero emissions and zero waste to landfill by 2030, we are dedicated to remaining at the forefront of sustainable innovation, driving positive change and inspiring generations to come. 

Biodiversity hotspot

Our campus is nestled alongside 3400 hectares of protected wetlands

World leading expertise

Home to global experts in forest ecology, fire management and environmental engineering

Taking climate action

Ambitious net zero emissions and zero waste to landfill goals by 2030

Memberships & Accreditations

Murdoch University was the first Western Australian University to sign the University Commitment to the United Nations  Sustainable Development Goals in 2019, reiterating our commitment to do our part in addressing these global issues throughout our core business.  

We further strengthened our commitment to sustainability, joining Race to Zero Universities and Colleges and Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability, which further drive our decarbonisation efforts and compel us to be transparent about our progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

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Leading environmental science 

Our researchers use our biodiverse campus as a living laboratory. From developing more sustainable cropping practices, to saving endangered species and co-designing better approaches to land management with First Nations custodians, our research is driving more sustainable outcomes at every level. 

With a focus on Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and working toward the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the university endeavours to establish itself as a global leader in research, driving impactful change and advancing knowledge in sustainability science and practice. 

View our research

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Educating future change agents

Our academics believe that sustainability is vital to all, which is why our flexible admission system pioneered access to university for people from diverse backgrounds. 

Everyone has a role to play in securing a thriving planet for generations to come and our courses reflect this, with Sustainable Development Goals incorporated across the curriculum to ensure our students are equipped to make the change the world needs. 

Explore our courses

Partnering for impact 

It’s imperative that our education and research benefits local, State, National and global communities, which is why we pursue mutually beneficial partnerships at all levels. These empower us to affect change faster by solving the problems people are facing today – and those that they anticipate tomorrow. 

This is where local communities, companies, government and non-government leaders come together to drive positive change for the environment.   

Our initiatives

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Latest news

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Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship

Aligning with our focus on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainability and First Nations, this scholarship allows every WA secondary school the opportunity to nominate one of their graduating year 12 students who, by their leadership and activity, has effective positive change in their community or school.

Learn more

Contact the Sustainability team