The University of Melbourne is an active member of the United Nations Global Compact, a worldwide group of institutions and companies that are pushing forward with every action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

As a distinguished research and teaching institution, the University of Melbourne has a social responsibility to lead strongly and act decisively in addressing the most pressing of global societal challenges.

The strategy

In March 2016, the University adopted a Sustainability Charter which sets out our values, principles, and commitments. The Sustainability Plan 2017–2020 (“the Plan”) flows from the Charter and addresses environmental sustainability and its inherent social impact across all these activities.

Find out more about the University of Melbourne sustainability strategy.

Sustainable Development Goals

The goals set by the UN to be met by 2030 are:

• No poverty

• Zero hunger

• Good health and well-being

• Quality education

• Gender equality

• Clean water and sanitation

• Affordable and clean energy

• Decent work and economic growth

• Industry, innovation and infrastructure

• Reduced inequalities

• Sustainable cities and communities

• Responsible consumption and production

• Climate action

• Life below water

• Life on land

• Peace, justice and strong institutions

• Partnerships for the goals

Learn more about the UN Sustainable development goals and how you can help to create a better world for everyone.

For subject coordinators

Expanding knowledge with sustainable development impact

Why are the goals relevant in teaching and learning?

The sustainable development goals represent the aspirations of the people of the world – they clearly define the world we want.¹

The best way to get to the world we want is by “expanding knowledge with sustainable impact” as our motto says. Moreover, incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals will enable students to understand and apply sustainability knowledge and values to practice in their field.

Every day in every classroom, the way students think and perceive the world is being transformed. A deep understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals may facilitate the generation of new ideas, having a north for every project and a clear notion of where the impact is needed and how we can get there.

Now you can be part of this global effort by understanding and linking some of the Sustainable Development Goals in the context of your subject

How to embed the Sustainable Development Goals in subjects

Start from yourself, get familiar with the objectives and have a clear understanding of their purpose. The next step is to know what you already have in place. Check the content of your subject, the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) and the assessment matrix, and use these to determine how much of the Sustainable Development Goals are already covered in the subject. Once identified you need to create a clear link between the materials and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, try to balance the content to include the objectives thatyou consider that are relevant for the subject.

1. Map your subject

2. Align intended learning outcomes to Sustainable Development Goals

3. Review and amend course level content

4. Develop material to support teaching and learning

Example of subject mapping

Example subject

• Quality education

  Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

• Affordable and clean energy

  Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

• Industry, innovation and infrastructure

  Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

• Sustainable cities and communities

  Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

What is expected of subject coordinators?

You are an active shaper of future society. Your involvement and research in this project are vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by the year 2030.

Actively participating in these changes, bringing new ideas, techniques and solutions, will help to deliver the best transformation agents to society.

Some tools you can explore

Calculate your footprint

Times Higher Education: SDG ranking

Contact us

If you need more information, ideas or you want to collaborate:

• Felix Hui,
• Behzad Rismanchi,
• Nilupa Herath,
• Saeid Charani Shandiz,
• Elisa Lumantarna,
• Lu Aye,
• Abbas Rajabifard,
• Cesar Martinez,

For students

The University of Melbourne is working to involve all the community in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Professors, students and staff are part of this commitment to our share to create a better world. The way to get there is the Sustainability Plan 2017–2020.

The Plan seeks that by 2020, all undergraduate degree programs can demonstrate (at the course and/or major level) that core and compulsory curriculum enable students to understand and apply sustainability knowledge and values to practice in their field, consistent with the Melbourne graduate attributes.

How can I get involved?

• Check the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of the subjects you are taking to know what Sustainable Development Goals are being developed.
• Learn about the Sustainable development goals and how you can contribute from your future profession.
• Know what we are doing and be part of the change. Visit Sustainable Campus to find out more.