The Australian National University’s Carbon Smart approach is a whole-of-organisation response to climate change, empowering people to make low-emissions choices, embed carbon awareness into decision-making, and direct efforts to where impact is most significant. The program targets emissions reductions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3, supporting ANU’s ambition to reach below zero emissions by 2040 while adapting to emerging climate risks.

The multi-dimensional program combines infrastructure transformation, systems change, and behavioural and cultural engagement. This includes electrifying heating with innovative heat pump technologies, transitioning towards 100% market-based renewable electricity, improving building energy performance, transforming their travel policy, mapping value-chain emissions, expanding EV infrastructure, and creating tools and education opportunities for staff and students.

By integrating research, teaching and operations with real-world climate action, ANU’s Carbon Smart approach demonstrates how a large institution can embed climate responsibility across infrastructure, governance, culture and daily decision-making.