The supply complements our existing solar carpark and rooftop systems – at Bedford Park, we have 7647 solar panels charging a 2.2 MW system that generates 20% of electricity needs at the campus.
In 2020, we installed four solar canopies – innovative stand-alone systems used for shelter and device recharging. The canopies draw energy from dual-sided solar panels that form the roof structure and charge built-in batteries stored in the seating. They’re a great example of Living Labs, providing a practical demonstration of how solar energy and storage can be integrated into real-world learning opportunities.
We know there are still challenges to address in reducing our emissions – electricity and gas used for lighting and building air-conditioning, and fuel used to transport staff and students via airplane, bus and car – but we’re charging ahead, with more initiatives to come.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Flinders University conducts an annual greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory in line with the GHG Protocol's Corporate Standard, using an evidence-based approach to track and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the development and implementation of targeted initiatives, while sharing this approach with local government and industry.
We’ve created a decarbonisation roadmap outlining organisational opportunities to reduce carbon emissions aligned to the 1.5°C Paris Target (IPCC pathway) through 2030. This target calls for a global net anthropogenic GHG reduction of 42% by 2030 and net zero by 2030.
Climate Action Plan and Approach (Targets)
Our focus is to:
- Identify, develop and implement ambitious and achievable opportunities towards emissions reductions for scope 1 and 2 emissions aligned with 1.5°C Paris Target.
- Engage our operations and value chain to address indirect emissions.
- Achieve a net-negative* (25%) emissions profile (scope 1-3) by 2030.
- While already achieving 100% renewable electricity, our decarbonisation roadmap outlines our pathway to further decrease gross direct GHG emissions by at least 42% by 2030, using 2019 as the baseline year.
*This target will achieve an outcome better than carbon neutrality.
Flinders University 1.5°C Emissions Pathway to 2030
Our decarbonisation roadmap to 2030 is informed by a variety of opportunities, including:
Flinders University annual greenhouse gas inventory
Flinders University uses emissions calculation methods and conversion factors for each emission source, drawing on primary data and reliable sources commonly used in Australian carbon accounting.
Notable sources include the National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Factors, the GHG Protocol, and other relevant life cycle analysis databases, such as the Australian National Life Cycle Inventory Database (AusLCI).
Flinders University boundary is based on operational control as per the GHG Protocol – Corporate Standard.
Flinders University is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, across all three scopes.
Flinders University continually improves its data collection, and its greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory is updated accordingly. While the inventory is prepared by an external consultant, aligning to GHG Protocol, it has not yet been independently audited. These figures were last updated in April 2026.
For some Scope 3 emission sources, including student commuting and major one-off construction projects, embodied emissions are estimated but not currently included in the primary results below. Emissions from investments are also excluded.
Since 2019, Flinders University has reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 88%, driven by a transition to 100% renewable electricity.
In 2025, Flinders University’s total GHG emissions were 36,307 tCO₂e, comprising 1,747 tCO₂e (Scope 1), 180 tCO₂e (Scope 2), and 34,380 tCO₂e (Scope 3). Scope 2 emissions remain low due to the University’s 100% renewable electricity power purchase agreement (PPA) in South Australia, with residual emissions attributable to Northern Territory operations.
Compared to 2024, total emissions in 2025 increased by 23%. This increase was primarily driven by a 26% rise in Scope 3 emissions, which is largely due to changes in the accounting methodology for Purchased Goods and Services (PG&S) and Capital Goods.
Over the same period, Scope 1 emissions decreased by 10%, and Scope 2 emissions decreased by 14%.
Compared to the 2019 baseline year, total emissions in 2025 decreased by 17%. This reduction was primarily driven by a 98.8% decrease in Scope 2 emissions, reflecting the transition to 100% renewable electricity in South Australia. Scope 1 emissions also decreased by 7.6%.
Combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions decreased by 88.2% between 2019 and 2025.
Emissions in 2019 and 2025 (tCO₂e) for Scope 1 and 2
| Scope | 2019 | 2025 | % change |
| 1 | 1,891 | 1,747 | -7.6% |
| 2 | 14,387 | 180 | -98.8% |
| Total | 16,288 | 1,927 | -88.2% |
Scope 3 emissions increased by 26% compared to the baseline year. This increase mainly reflects improved data quality and changes to the accounting methodology, including the consolidation of similar categories and the inclusion of previously excluded categories that became material. As a result, direct retrospective comparison of 2025 scope 3 emissions is limited until historical data are recalculated.
Flinders University has grown considerably since 2019. When emissions are calculated by gross floor area (GFA, as reported to TEFMA), reductions are more pronounced.
Emissions per m2 in 2019 and 2025 (tCO2e/m2) for Scope 1 and 2
| Scope | 2019 | 2025 | % change |
| 1 | 9.68 | 7.02 | -27% |
| 2 | 73.66 | 0.72 | -99% |
| 3 | 139.37 | 138.25 | -1% |
| Total | 223 | 146 | -34% |
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
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