Driving the Sustainable Development Goals forward
Through teaching, research, campus operations and partnerships, La Trobe is helping deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goals on our campuses, in our communities and around the world.
In 2015, all 193 United Nations member states adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Together, they form a shared global plan to end poverty, reduce inequality, protect the planet and build fair, peaceful societies by 2030. The goals are connected, so progress on one helps drive progress on others. Since 2010, La Trobe has been a participant in the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. We are committed to its principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption
You can read more about our commitment in our 2025 submission [PDF 129.3 KB] to the UN Global Compact.
How La Trobe supports the SDGs
Sustainability runs through everything we do: what we teach, the research we lead, how we run our campuses and who we work with.
We prepare our students to lead sustainable change in every profession. Our courses, pathways and work-integrated learning give students the knowledge and real-world experience to tackle social, environmental and economic challenges.
- Free and low-barrier pathways, including the Tertiary Preparation Program and RISE with La Trobe. SDGs 4, 10
- Work-integrated learning for every student by 2030. SDGs 4, 8
- Real-world placements, such as the La Trobe Law Clinic and our Wildlife Sanctuary programs. SDGs 4, 15, 16
Our research tackles food security, health, climate, biodiversity and equity. Our flagship institutes and research centres work with industry, government and communities to turn discoveries into solutions.
- Every SDG we submitted to the 2026 THE Sustainability Impact Ratings ranked in the world top 50.
- Flagship institutes such as Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF) and Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS). SDGs 2, 3, 9
Research Impact
Discover how La Trobe researchers are delivering practical solutions and measurable impact through sustainability-focused research and innovation.
We use our campuses as living laboratories, where students, researchers and operations teams test new ideas at real scale. Our work cuts emissions, conserves energy and water, reduces waste, protects biodiversity and prepares our campuses for a changing climate.
Each initiative contributes directly to SDG outcomes, including Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life on Land (SDG 15).
- We're on track to reach net zero emissions by 2029, and our four regional campuses are already certified carbon neutral.
- We're working towards water self-sufficiency and healthier waterways across our campuses.
- We avoid waste at the source by rethinking how we buy, use, reuse and recover materials.
- From the Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary to threatened species recovery, we protect and restore healthy ecosystems.
- Find walking, cycling, public transport and other low-emission ways to get to campus.
- We plan our campuses, buildings and landscapes to manage climate risks and build long-term resilience.
We work with industry, government, Traditional Owners, community organisations and sustainability networks to share knowledge, drive innovation and deliver lasting impact.
- La Trobe is a member of Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS), the network of universities and colleges across Australia and New Zealand working towards a sustainable future, and a UN Global Compact participant since 2010. SDGs 4, 16, 17
- Restoring the Nangak Tamboree waterway with the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Melbourne Water and the Darebin Creek Management Committee, winner of the Nature Positive category at the 2025 International Green Gown Awards. SDGs 6, 15, 17
- Renewable energy and net zero partnerships with Iberdrola Australia and Schneider Electric and threatened species recovery with the Australian Government. SDGs 7, 13, 15
Climate Network
Our work aligns with the University’s Net Zero initiative and the recently endorsed Climate Change Position Statement.
“La Trobe University recognises the extreme risks climate change poses to the economic, ecological and social futures of our students, staff and communities, both local and international. We accept the scientific consensus that responding to climate change requires ‘rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes to all aspects of society’.
La Trobe is committed to demonstrating leadership on climate change in our research, teaching and operations.
We will be carbon neutral by 2029 and will develop the best sustainability and climate-resilient practices across our campuses.
We will equip our students to understand the complexities of climate change. We will develop their capacity to create climate-resilient lives and communities and to contribute to shaping a low-carbon future.
Our research will promote interdisciplinary inquiry in order to build a safer, more equitable and sustainable world. We will include the climate crisis in our research and forge partnerships with those seeking to build a resilient and just future.”
Members from the Climate Network come from a broad range of academic disciplines and our work traverses a range of themes relating to dealing with challenges of living in a changing environment. The LTCN’s internal research development scheme, spearheaded by La Trobe’s Research Focus Areas, supports the development of climate-themed research projects with pilot funding. La Trobe also has a range of climate-related curriculum options, including the recently-launched Environmental Humanities major [PDF 174KB] in our Bachelor of Arts.
The Clever Weather Project
The Clever Weather Project from La Trobe’s Technology Innovation Lab in Bendigo is utilising the city’s new Internet of Things network, whereby weather sensors are being installed throughout the CBD, at local landmarks, as well as in the yards of interested residents and business-owners. Up to 100 individual sensors will be installed throughout Bendigo as part of this project.
Join the Community
Interested in being a part of the La Trobe Climate Network? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at climate@latrobe.edu.au.
Meet our members and learn about our upcoming events below.