UTS investments go fossil free
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has moved to a fossil free fund to align our investments with the university’s sustainability and social justice commitments, guided by the UTS Treasury and Investments Policy.
The move comes after a detailed review of our responsible investment strategy to find an investment partner with shared ambitions to integrate ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) outcomes, and to align with the global United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UTS Vice-Chancellor Andrew Parfitt said this decision was important because universities have a vital role to play in demonstrating leadership, developing solutions, and facilitating collaboration on climate change and sustainable practices.
“UTS was the first university in Australia to sign the Climate Emergency Declaration in 2019, and we are determined to walk the talk.”
“We continually strive to improve the efficiency and performance of our campus operations, installing solar energy on our city buildings and developing partnerships to build solar farms in rural NSW. In 2021, we achieved our goal to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent against a 2007 baseline; and work is currently underway on the UTS Climate Positive Plan, charting a pathway to carbon neutrality and beyond,” said Professor Parfitt.
UTS researchers are integral in helping the Australian economy and society transition to renewable energy, with the development of new battery and energy storage technologies, new algae-based biofuels to replace fossil fuels, and strengthening the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef against the impacts of climate change.
Collaboration and partnerships with business, government and the community are central to this work, as demonstrated by the RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre and UTS4Climate.
“The UTS community – our staff, students and partners – are all playing a central role in guiding the organisation’s journey towards achieving net zero as quickly as possible”, said Professor Parfitt.