Sector-first report sets new national benchmark for emissions transparency, risk governance and higher education leadership
The University of Sydney has published a climate-related financial disclosure, an Australian first that sets a new benchmark in climate governance and emissions transparency across the higher education sector.
Voluntarily aligned with the NSW Treasury climate disclosure framework, the report applies internationally recognised climate scenarios to assess physical and transition risks, and outlines how climate considerations are being integrated into institutional strategy, governance and financial planning.
For the first time, the University has also published a full scope 3 indirect emissions inventory. This covers all 15 categories under the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas Protocol and includes emissions from supply chains, capital works, international student travel and financial investments.
Gillian Graham-Crowe, Director Sustainability, said the report reflects a shift in how public institutions can approach climate risk and opportunity.
“We are proud to lead the sector with a disclosure that is rigorous, practical and institution-wide. Climate risks are no longer hypothetical or distant. They are now part of how we manage long-term strategy, infrastructure planning and investment decisions,” Ms Graham-Crowe said.
“This report provides leadership with a clear, risk-informed baseline against which we can improve institutional climate resilience and reduce emissions. It also offers a working model for other public institutions who are navigating similar disclosure expectations.”
To calculate its scope 3 emissions, the University partnered with its School of Physics’ Integrated Sustainability Analysis (ISA) group and member Vivienne Reiner led the project; Ms Reiner is also a PhD candidate under the supervision of Associate Professor Arunima Malik and Professor Manfred Lenzen. The ISA group was established by Professor Manfred Lenzen, a global expert in environmental footprinting. The hybrid methodology for scope 3 emissions combines economy-wide input-output (IO) modelling with the University’s spend and income data, enabling comprehensive coverage and therefore greater accuracy.
The report also details governance structures, progress against net zero targets, scenario modelling, and early initiatives to embed climate considerations into asset management, adaptation planning and research investment.
Approved by the University Senate on 27 June 2025, the full report is available at sydney.edu/au/sustainability.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM DISCLOSURE:
- University of Sydney first in Australia to release a formal climate-related financial disclosure aligned with NSW Treasury’s climate reporting framework
- Full scope 3 indirect emissions inventory published, covering all 15 categories of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol including supply chain, travel, capital works and investments
- Hybrid IO analysis by integrated Sustainability Analysis (ISA) within the University of Sydney School of Physics, combining input-output modelling with the University’s spend and income data for robust scope 3 reporting
- Future low and high emissions climate scenario analysis conducted to assess institutional exposure to extreme weather, policy shifts and market trends
- Integration of climate risk into enterprise risk management, governance structures and business continuity planning
- 100 percent renewable electricity achieved ahead of target through Power Purchase Agreements and certificate surrender
- Pilot electrification projects initiated to address remaining scope 1 direct emissions and inform the University’s Net Zero implementation plan
- Disclosure provides a foundation for broader integration of climate resilience into financial planning, capital works and strategic priorities
- Designed to support peers across the public and higher education sectors by offering a credible and replicable model for climate-related disclosure.
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