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It's easy being green
Canberra is a sustainability leader in Australia. And as if that’s not already impressive enough, the national capital was recently ranked as the most sustainable city in the world! i
While we try to be modest about it, we’re pretty proud of how this city has embraced a more renewable approach, including its green energy usage, sustainable systems for public transport and low pollution index.Overview
- Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory, is the most sustainable city in Australia.
- The city's electricity is from 100 per cent renewable sources, putting it far ahead of the pack.
- Known as the 'bush capital', this city has plenty of green spaces surrounding its lakes, rivers and suburbs.
Green transport
Amazingly, nearly 89 per cent of Canberra’s public transport is green. ii Its well-structured bus and light rail transport system and extensive network of bike paths make it easy to move around the city without relying on a car.
In addition to using public transport, Canberrans often make the most of the two e-scooter schemes. This makes up to 1,900 colourful scooters (and helmets) available across the city, giving locals and visitors a quick and easy alternative to walking, cycling or driving.
To cars in Canberra: the ACT Government is committed to making zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) available to all Canberrans in an effort to meet its target by 2030 that 80 to 90 per cent of light vehicles purchased will be ZEVs. iii In 2022, the government-funded over 70 publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations across the city. iv Also, all newly leased government cars are ZEVs while the existing fleet is being assessed for replacement by zero-emission vehicles.
Transport Canberra electric busses moving Canberrans.
Green campus
We’re very proud of our green attitude at ANU. And we’re not referring to our beautiful leafy campus (although that’s pretty good too!).
At ANU, we're ‘living sustainability’ rather than talking about it. That means we’re doing our bit to contribute to a more sustainable and healthy future.
We’re committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to below zero by 2030 via our Below Zero Program led by the ANU Sustainability Division, in partnership with the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions. This is not just a goal, it's a promise we're determined to keep.
By integrating practical solutions to reduce campus emissions from things like energy and waste through community engagement programs and our world-leading teaching and research, we’re making changes that are more than significant; they’re inspiring. Each of these changes has a positive impact nationally and globally, and we're proud to be at the forefront of the sustainability movement.
ANU students are not just passive observers of the University’s sustainability efforts. You have the power to make a difference. You can get involved in various ways, including incorporating Below Zero projects or internships into your degree, participating in campus initiatives like One Small Step, which supports you in reducing your energy consumption, choosing cycling and walking over driving, buying carefully and consciously to reduce waste, and much more.
To learn more about the ways that you can contribute to a sustainable future both when you’re studying on our campus and elsewhere, read the ideas for getting involved on the ANU Below Zero Initiative web page.
Sustainable food access at the ANU Co-Op
Green energy
In 2019, Canberra became the first city in Australia to be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy. v The city relies on solar and wind farms to produce its electricity, making it green and clean. This was an essential step towards meeting the ambitious target of zero net emissions by 2045. vi
The ACT Government is also working in partnership with industry, education and research to push for further innovation and development to meet this target. This collaboration results in a range of programs, including rolling out home battery storage for rooftop solar panels, smart energy grids and electric vehicle incentives and trials.
Green space and clean air
One of the reasons Canberra ranks as the world’s most sustainable city vii in a report by UK comparison company Uswitch is thanks to its very low pollution index.
As well as clean air, Canberrans enjoy large amounts of public green space, which makes the city easy on the eye and helps keep pollution low, contributing to the national capital's overall sustainability success score.
Overall, Canberra’s commitment to a sustainable future is outstanding. ANU is proud to play an important role in supporting and contributing to its ongoing success as a sustainability leader.
Canberra sustainable initiatives engage everyone.
Interested in a green future? Explore environment and sustainability research expertise at ANU and the undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs we offer in the natural, physical and environmental sciences .
i Uswitch, The world’s most sustainable, 14 May 2021, https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/most-sustainable-cities/
ii Canberra Weekly, Canberra revealed as world’s most sustainable city, 18 May 2021, https://canberraweekly.com.au/canberra-revealed-as-most-sustainable-city-in-the-world/
iii ACT Government, National leading action to drive zero emissions vehicle uptake in the ACT, 20 July 2022, https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/barr/2022/nation-leading-action-to-drive-zero-emissions-vehicle-uptake-in-the-act
iv ACT Government, Everyday climate choices: Cars and vehicles, date not specified, https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/transport-and-travel/cars-and-vehicles
v Canberra Times, Canberra named world’s most sustainable city, 18 May 2021, https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7257624/canberra-named-worlds-most-sustainable-city/
vi CBR Canberra, Renewable Energy, date not specified https://canberra.com.au/business/why-canberra/sector-profiles/renewable-energy/
vii Uswitch, The world’s most sustainable cities, 14 May 2021 https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/most-sustainable-cities/
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