In recognition of our efforts across renewable energy and emission reduction, Flinders University has been named the global top performer for Energy and Climate by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

Released today, the 2025 Sustainable Campus Index celebrates tertiary institutions that are leading the way in sustainability, showcasing top performers across 13 key impact areas.

This recognition is based on data from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), a framework used by hundreds of institutions to measure, report, and improve their sustainability performance.

Last year, Flinders became the first organisation in the world to earn a coveted Gold rating under the newly released version 3 of the ratings system.

Flinders’ top score in the 2025 Sustainable Campus Index for Energy and Climate reflects a decade of sustained investment and innovation, including:

• 100% renewable electricity since 2021, through a landmark renewable power purchase agreement supporting the development of a large-scale wind project.
• Solar leadership with extensive rooftop solar and solar carpark generating clean electricity across campus.
• Electrification of buildings, including the replacement of old gas boilers and hot water systems with electric heat pump and thermal storage technologies.
• Energy efficiency upgrades such as LED street lighting and building tuning to reduce demand and optimise performance.
• Innovative trials including vehicle-to-grid technology integration to support and progress a smarter, more resilient energy network.

Alongside global leadership in Energy and Climate, Flinders was also recognised for excellence across other categories, being named:

• 2nd overall score in Wellbeing and Work– reflecting strength in student and employee health, safety and wellbeing, employee rights, pay equity and living wage standards.
• 3rd overall score (tied) inPlanning and Coordination – acknowledging whole-of-institution sustainability commitments, strategy and planning, and participatory governance involving students, staff, and community.

Flinders University Interim Vice-President (Corporate Services) Dr Shane Jennings says the recognition affirms Flinders’ commitment to being a leader in sustainability – not only in ambition, but in measurable outcomes.

“From our renewable electricity agreement to electrification of campus buildings and innovative energy trials, we’re reducing our direct emissions while setting an example for what’s possible in higher education and beyond,” says Dr Jennings.

“We are proud to be part of South Australia’s aspiration to achieve 100% net renewables by 2027.”

A total of 384 institutions worldwide qualified for the 2025 Sustainable Campus Index based on valid STARS 2.2 or 3.0 reports, out of more than 668 participating institutions across 29 countries.

You can view the full report here.