Sustainability at Murdoch University

Discover what we’re doing to build a sustainable future.

Our journey to a sustainable future

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. 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.

Leading environmental science research

Our research is driving sustainable outcomes, using our biodiverse campus as a living laboratory. Read our research on sustainable cropping practices, saving endangered species and more.

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.

Community

Meet our sustainability team and committee.

Resources

Start your sustainability journey with our resources on recycling and more.

Towards a more sustainable future

As a key pillar of our Ngala Kwop Biddi - Building a Brighter Future, Together strategy, we are committed to being a leading university in education, teaching, and 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.

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.

In 2025 Murdoch University and the Murdoch Student Guild attained the Responsible Futures accreditation, becoming the first Australasian University to participate in the program and to be certified. This achievement demonstrates the progress we are making towards putting sustainability at the heart of education. Read the Murdoch University and Murdoch Student Guild Responsible Futures audit feedback report.

Murdoch University and Murdoch Student Guild Responsible Futures Audit Feedback Report (pdf) 13248 KB