Sustainability - environmental and social responsibility

AUT is committed to achieving sustainability and taking regenerative action in light of local and global challenges. We continue to nurture a culture of sustainability through learning, teaching, research, partnerships and how we operate our on-campus facilities.

AUT’s sustainability team and Sustainability Steering Group develop, action and review the University’s sustainability initiatives to achieve transformative change.

AUT sustainability targets 2023

Sustainability at AUT
Sustainability at AUT

Latest sustainability news

Snapper fish in the ocean

Shift in NZ snapper behaviour

Science
An AUT led team of scientists have uncovered a dramatic shift in the movement patterns of New Zealand’s snapper, which could aid restoration initiatives.
Dan Shipp, Fiji

Climate change exhibition at AUT

An acclaimed exhibition that showcases the devastating impacts of climate change in the Pacific is being held at AUT.
AUT city campus

AUT recognised at 2024 Green Gown Awards

AUT’s commitment to reduce waste to landfill by 50% by 2025 has been recognised with a Highly Commended award at the 2024 Green Gown Awards Australasia.
Different rubbish bins

NZ must adapt to the circular economy

Business
New research examines if and how NZ food manufacturers prioritise the four circular elements of reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering.
View more

Sustainability in action at AUT

The AUT Community Gardens
The AUT Community Gardens aim to promote sustainability, nutrition and holistic wellbeing in a collaborative environment
Tukutuku building
'Tukutuku' (our new building at AUT North Campus), is the most efficiently heated and cooled tertiary education building in New Zealand (Photo by Jasmax)
Students are digging in
AUT international students worked together to plant nearly 200 native Harakeke (flax) and Coprosma kirkii at our North Campus

Environmental Impact 5 star review from QS

Sustainability targets and progress

report cover

Find out more details about our sustainability targets and initiatives, and see how we’re tracking to meet our goals.

View latest reports

Committed to social and economic impact

Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings 2025 rank AUT in the top 101-200 globally overall, and in the top 40 in the world for our commitment to gender equality, and decent work and economic growth.

World rankings

Green Impact programme

eco-friendly

Join AUT’s Green Impact programme, and work in teams to complete sustainability actions.

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How we support diversity

AUT is a vibrant and diverse university. To find out more visit:

Contact us

Have questions or want to get involved? Contact the sustainability team: sustainability@aut.ac.nz

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