Why you should consider sustainability when choosing your university

Sponsored by Adelaide University 

When choosing a university, there are a few common things everyone thinks about: university rankings, location, finding a campus where you can picture yourself. While these considerations matter, there’s another often-overlooked factor that matters too: sustainability.  

Beyond asking, ‘Is this university in the global top 100?’, it’s worth asking ‘What is this university doing about the future I’m going to graduate into?’ and ‘How seriously does this university take its responsibility to students, communities and the planet?’ 

A university with a strong sustainability culture is usually one that thinks long-term. It invests in research that matters, gives students practical ways to get involved and prepares graduates for careers in a world where climate, resources and social impact will shape almost every industry. 

A key indicator of a university set up for an environmentally focused future is its surrounding community. You should consider whether the local area is prepared to support sustainable infrastructure and initiatives.  

Adelaide is a city known for quality of life, culture and safety, and it’s also known as a world leader in renewable energy. Its regional location and diverse environment make it ideal for wind, wave, and green hydrogen technologies.  

It is also known for its agricultural productivity, which gives South Australia its global food and wine reputation! Adelaide University’s Waite Campus is one of the largest agricultural precincts in the Southern Hemisphere, complete with vineyards, glasshouses and cutting-edge labs. 

Beyond an ideal location for environmental studies, Adelaide University offers many pathways into a career in the growing sustainability sector. The university offers degrees such as a Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change and a Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) alongside various cross-disciplinary options.  

“Our college brings scientists together across disciplines to address various sustainability challenges,” says Dr Brianna Le Busque, Program Director of the university’s College of Science. “We share real world solutions through hands on teaching, inspiring students to think critically and optimistically about creating a sustainable future.”   

This approach is helpful for students nowadays, whose future jobs will likely need you to understand how your work affects people and the planet. This is true whether you study business, health, design, education, or law.  

Students also benefit from the university’s sustainability policy, which has committed to net zero emissions by 2050. It also covers climate action; responsible operations, governance, partnerships and investment; the UN Sustainable Development Goals and equipping students to become global citizens for positive change.