Accelerating sustainability
¹úÃñ²ÊƱ is dedicated to advancing the transition toward a more sustainable world.
As part of our Societal Impact Framework, our key goals include achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, restoring 30% of ecosystems to enhance planetary health, and reducing waste generation by 30% through prevention, recycling and reuse.
It’s not a distant ambition – it’s happening now. Our research is delivering real-world impact to accelerate the global transition to a sustainable future. Explore some of our impact stories below.​
Pioneering solar technology​
Today, ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ technology is used in more than 90% of the world’s solar energy. The School of Photovoltaic & Renewable Energy is internationally recognised for its record-breaking research in solar power (photovoltaics) and renewable energy. The PERC solar cell was first invented at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ in our labs in 1983, and solar energy pioneer Scientia Professor Martin Green became the first Australian to win the prestigious Global Energy Prize in 2018. Now, ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ researchers are harnessing the sun’s power – at night.
Making waste useful​
¹úÃñ²ÊƱ's is renowned for pioneering the transformation of waste for use as a new generation of ‘green’ materials and products, promoting a circular economy. The Centre was founded in 2008 by ARC Laureate Fellow, Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla AO. The Centre works with industry, national and international research partners, and governments across Australia on the development of environmental solutions to the world’s biggest waste challenges.
Helping our cities become more climate-resilient
A multidisciplinary research group at ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ has transformed the Kensington campus into a living lab to help combat heat exposure in our cities.
Urban overheating driven by the climate crisis is a major challenge impacting the sustainability and liveability of our cities. The  , led by Associate Professor Negin Nazarian, aims to improve heat exposure and air quality in different indoor and outdoor campus environments.
The lab is integrating advanced modelling with smart sensors across campus to measure and analyse local urban climate challenges, such as urban heat, ventilation, energy and air quality. The study, which was used to improve the building’s conditions, offers a roadmap for moving towards more resilient and healthy educational buildings.
Advancing global knowledge in bushfire management​
¹úÃñ²ÊƱ Bushfire is at the forefront of bushfire research in Australia and globally, , improving firefighter and community safety and informing sustainable environmental management and national resilience policy. Their work has directly influenced defence preparedness and national disaster policy, contributing to stronger coordination across government agencies.
Recent breakthroughs include a world-first bushfire season severity warning system, and expert input into key state and federal bushfire inquiries. Researchers across the university have also developed innovations such as a new fire-retardant paint to reduce the spread of fire through built environments.
Together, this research is shaping how Australia and the world prepare for and respond to the growing threat of bushfires in a changing climate.
What progress will you make with ¹úÃñ²ÊƱ?
