Get involved

Actions we are taking:

• Detailed investigations into additional installation of on-site renewable energy systems and alternative ways to reduce emissions from electricity.
• Precinct refurbishment developments under the Campus Development Plan, including energy efficiency upgrades.
• Enhanced submetering of buildings and ongoing energy monitoring and consumption analysis.

Actions you can take:

• Switch off or unplug unused devices (except for printers), lights and heating/ cooling in unoccupied spaces and at the end of the day. A quick check before you leave a room or an office is all it takes.
• When possible, set air conditioning (AC) systems between 22-24 degrees. This keeps spaces comfortable and helps AC units work most efficiently.
• Consider ways to reduce your digital footprint: think critically about your use of AI and the environmental impact of online habits.

Actions are we taking:

• Adopting the principles of a circular economy, prioritising strategies to prevent/avoid waste in the first place.
• Reviewing our procurement practices and implementing sustainable procurement principles.
• Improving waste management practices to minimise waste to landfill and expand recycling streams.
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Actions you can take: 

• Bring your reusables to campus: water bottles, hot beverage cups, containers & utensils.
• Save money with reusables: We have free water fountains across campus with chilled and filtered water, so you can save money, stay hydrated and waste free.
• Learn more about Circularity and How to Recycle by watching these short videos or visit Recycle Right for Western Australia specific information on recycling.
• Did you know? Staff and students can recycle tricky items such as haircare aerosols, cling wrap, snack wrappers and more at our South Street and Mandurah campuses. Click on this link to find out more details: TerraCycle collection points in the library.

Actions we are taking:

• We offer a range of active transport initiatives which include a free bicycle service for Murdoch staff and students, Learn to Cycle programs and social rides. To find out more, email sustainability@murdoch.edu.au
• We have improved access to and information about sustainable transport options to campus and end-of-trip facilities. See below the links to find out more.
• Our Campus Development Plan 2024-2030 aims to cultivate an active, inclusive, connected and healthy community through improving cycling infrastructure, end-of-trip facilities and improving public transport links and infrastructure.
• We are transitioning our fleet to electric vehicles, prioritising vehicles that predominantly stay on campus such as our mail and delivery fleet.
  

Actions you can take:

• Use active and public transport wherever possible. Murdoch University enjoys excellent public transport links from Murdoch Train Station, with covered bus stops along both South Street and Discovery Drive. A pedestrian underpass connects the north and south side of South Street, enabling safe crossing.
• Visit the Getting to Perth Campus, to find out more about public and active transport option including what bus to catch and where to securely park your bike.
• Check out our end-of-trip facilities on campus which include showers, bike lockers, bike compounds, bike racks and a bike repair stand to support staff, students and visitors who chose low impact travel.
• Are you new to riding? Visit the Bicycle Network website to learn about road rules, safety tips and more. Make sure to select WA for state specific information.

Actions we are taking:

• Improvements to farm management practices as part of the Sustainable Farm Sub Strategy to reduce groundwater consumption and maximise water retention.
• Ongoing groundwater quality and consumption monitoring
• Ongoing comprehensive leak detection and repair programme through smart metering and water saving practices. Check out this case study showing our collaboration with Water Corporation for more information.

Actions you can take:

• Did you know? Due to climate change, Perth’s average annual rainfall has reduced around 20% since the 1970s. With a growing population and reduced rainfall recharging our dams, being water-wise is one of the most impactful things everyone can do. To find out more visit Water Corporation-Climate and Perth.
• Be mindful of the water you're using on campus. Avoid letting taps run unnecessarily and use the half-flush on toilets whenever possible. 
• Report any leaks you notice on campus to a staff member will lodge a request with Campus Development. 

Actions we are taking:

• As a member the Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS), Murdoch University participated in the joint-sector the 'Navigating Climate Change - Scenarios for Australia's Tertiary Education Sector' Report. Learn more and read the full report here.
• The Coolamon Research and Advocacy Centre at the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change is undertaking research to understand of the widespread and cumulative effects of climate change, and the social, cultural factors impacting the lives of Aboriginal families and communities. 
• We are signatories of the Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE) Accord. and report annually via Climate Action Barometer, recognising that while international education is a force for good, it also contributes carbon emissions.

Actions you can take:

• Increase your climate literacy: learn about the Climate Science Initiative WA being led by Murdoch University’s Associate Professor Jatin Kala. You can read more about Dr Kala’s work as a coordinating lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC here.

• Build everyday climate resilience: choose low-emission travel where practical, reduce energy and water use, support green spaces that provide shade, cooling and habitat, and follow Murdoch’s bushfire safety advice by avoiding bushland reserves during high-risk conditions and reporting smoke, fire or hazards promptly.

Actions we are taking:

•  We offer professional development opportunities for staff to raise sustainability literacy and awareness.
• Through our involvement with the Responsible Futures program we strive to achieve best practice in Education for Sustainable Development. The Murdoch University and Murdoch Student Guild Responsible Futures audit feedback report outlines the progress we have made towards embedding sustainability across all aspects of learning and teaching.
• We offer a range of sustainability-focused undergraduate and postgraduate courses and electives. Learn more about our Sustainability-focused courses and units here.  

Actions you can take:

• As a student, you can advocate for sustainability literacy to be integrated in your discipline. You can provide feedback through unit surveys at the end of teaching periods or through your Guild elected representative in the academic council.
• Murdoch University offers an extracurricular program for students to develop skills and knowledge of Sustainability, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and First Nations. Visit Murdoch Mettle (Boodiyar Djena Biddi) to learn more and apply.
• Teaching and Learning staff can contribute by integrating sustainability in the curriculum and mapping the coverage of the SDGs across units. Contact our team internally to find out more. Visit the Sustainability at Murdoch intranet page to find out more. 

• Murdoch University drives impactful change through translational, multidisciplinary research that addresses global sustainability challenges and improves environmental and community outcomes.
• The Harry Butler Institute focuses on innovating for a sustainable future through collaborative research via its four Research Centres. Discover more about our amazing Sustainability Research here.

Actions you can take:

• Are you interested in undertaking sustainability research? Consider enrolling in a higher degree by research through a Masters or PhD.  

Actions we are taking:

• Increasing visibility for sustainability through orientation and onboarding touchpoints, events and communication materials.
• Supporting student-led projects that improve student experience and contribute to tangible sustainability outcomes on campus. To learn more visit Students as Change Agents page.
• Working with the Murdoch Student Guild to support student-led, peer-to-peer initiatives through clubs and societies.

Actions you can take:

• Choose a sustainability- focused organisation to complete recognised volunteering through the TLC201 – Real World Learning unit. To find out more visit TLC201Real World Learning.
• Join a sustainability-focused club or start your own! Visit the Murdoch Guild page Find a Club - Murdoch Guild
• Attend one of our sustainable living events on campus: visit the Sustainability Office events page.
• Join our Sustainability Collective - a quarterly meeting of Murdoch University staff and students from all areas to build connection and discuss all things sustainability at Murdoch. Email sustainability@murdoch.edu.au to register your interest.

• Murdoch University is guided by strong leadership for our strategic direction with Pro Vice Chancellors First Nations, Equity Diversity and Inclusion and Sustainability ensuring we are guiding and informing holistic sustainable practices.
• The Sustainability Committee provides support and guidance to the University strategic initiatives. Discover who's leading this work within the Sustainability Office and the Sustainability Committee here. 
  

Actions you can take:

• Student representation for sustainability in governance is essential. Students can nominate for positions within the University committees or Guild Council, which includes a Sustainability Representative position. You can learn more about elections here.
• Make your voice count: participate in surveys, ask the hard questions. The sustainability mandate is stronger when students are actively engaged in advocating for change. Provide feedback to sustainability@murdoch.edu.au.