Auckland University of Technology’s Perseverance with Purpose – Sustainability at AUT reflects a whole-of-institution commitment to embedding sustainability across learning and teaching, research, leadership and governance, facilities and operations, and partnerships and engagement. Since launching its first Sustainability Plan in 2018, AUT has worked steadily towards 2025 targets, using influence, reporting, collaboration and practical action to drive progress despite limited dedicated sustainability funding.

The initiative has delivered measurable outcomes across the University. Between 2020 and 2025, the proportion of students enrolled in one or more sustainability-focused course increased from 10% to 20%, while SDG-related research outputs increased from 17% to 36%. Operationally, AUT reduced carbon emissions by 34% between 2018 and 2025, reduced air travel emissions by 48%, improved waste diversion, introduced compostable collections across three campuses and planted 59 different species of native plants.

By combining persistence, executive support, cross-functional collaboration and staff and student engagement, AUT demonstrates how a university can make significant sustainability progress through existing systems, budgets and relationships.