The University of New South Wales (UNSW), located in Sydney, Australia, is a leading institution in higher education and research. Founded in 1949, UNSW has established itself as a prominent player in the global academic landscape, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, business, and the arts. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, UNSW offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, distinguished by its strong emphasis on research and practical application. The university is renowned for its cutting-edge facilities and a vibrant campus life, attracting students from around the world. UNSW consistently ranks among the top universities globally, reflecting its dedication to academic rigor and impactful research. Its strategic partnerships and industry collaborations further enhance its position as a leader in education and a catalyst for societal advancement.
How does The University of New South Wales's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Education Services industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
The University of New South Wales's score of 66 is higher than 83% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2024, The University of New South Wales (UNSW) reported total carbon emissions of approximately 206,300,000 kg CO2e across all scopes. This includes 9,217,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1 emissions, primarily from stationary combustion and fugitive emissions, and 64,158,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2 emissions, all attributed to purchased electricity. Scope 3 emissions accounted for the majority, with significant contributions from purchased goods and services (approximately 103,918,000 kg CO2e) and business travel (about 26,758,000 kg CO2e). UNSW has committed to ambitious climate targets, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050, in line with a 1.5°C science-based target. The university has set interim goals to achieve a reduction of over 30% in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 and over 50% by 2030. These commitments reflect a proactive approach to sustainability and climate action, positioning UNSW as a leader in environmental responsibility within the higher education sector in Australia.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 6,489,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | - |
| Scope 2 | 58,430,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | - | - | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | - | - | - | - | - | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 |
The University of New South Wales's Scope 3 emissions, which decreased by 7% last year and decreased by approximately 12% since 2018, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Most of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 76% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Purchased Goods and Services" being the largest emissions source at 50% of Scope 3 emissions.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
The University of New South Wales has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

