What we do
ACTS creates and supports a range of programs, resources, developmental and networking opportunities for members and organisations working towards a sustainable, just and equitable future. The success of what we do lies in our ability to critically challenge and support collaboration with stakeholders to lead sustainability innovation and engagement.
Accelerating SDGs in Practice Series
SDSN AusNZPac and the ACTS cohost a series of online discussion forums and webinars for our member institutions that aim to help them accelerate and scale up action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The aim of this series is to help lift the collective response of the sector in our region to the SDGs by providing a space for our members to share and discuss approaches, challenges and learnings about SDG implementation. The series also looks for opportunities for follow up collaborations and for how we can share learnings with the broader community.
ACTS Conference
The annual ACTS Conference “The Future of Sustainability” brings together sustainability champions from campus communities across Australasia and the Pacific to share and inspire transformative actions toward a future that is fair, just and equitable for all.
As a sector, our potential to not just solve for challenges of today, but to regenerate for a truly sustainable future is limitless. Through this annual event we explore this potential, with a particular focus on leading through transformational governance and values, innovating, educating and enabling for change, and raising the voices of indigenous peoples.
The 2024 Conference will be hosted by the University of Tasmania at their Launceston Campus in November.
Green Impact
Green Impact is a United Nations award-winning program designed to support environmentally and socially sustainable practice in your organisation.
This can mean anything from communicating recycling systems, to committing to go waste-free; from supporting team health and well-being campaigns, to working towards carbon-neutrality!
Based on proven behaviour change models, its flexible approach means it can be tailored to meet each organisation’s unique needs.
In the Australasian region, Green Impact is exclusively delivered and supported by ACTS.
Green Gown Awards Australasia
The Green Gown Awards Australasia is the first and only award scheme dedicated to recognising excellence in sustainability within the Australasian tertiary education sector. Firmly established as the most prestigious recognition of sustainability best practice, the Australasian awards have recognised institutions, large and small, and rewarded their sustainability actions and initiatives for more than a decade.
The Australasian Awards are administered by ACTS and are a regional partner of the International Green Gown Awards.
Carbon Literacy Training
Reducing emissions relies on every single person in an organisation being aware of the carbon impacts of their choices, and feeling motivated and supported to take action.
Our online Carbon Literacy course is a blended learning experience, with self-study elements alongside 2 half days virtual training, and is relevant climate change learning for everyone. Accredited by the UK based Carbon Literacy Project (CLP), the course brings together information, videos, science backed data and online measurement and simulation tools to build a comprehensive understanding of carbon and greenhouse gas emissions and their sources.
Member roundtables
Member Roundtables are a fantastic opportunity for members to connect in an informal virtual setting to share ideas, challenges and practical solutions with peers from across the ACTS network.
Each meeting is be limited to a small number of active participants, allowing everyone the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions and contribute to general discussions. Members can also register as listen-only participants (while still able to submit questions for discussion).
#actsofconnection
An annual calendar of events – be they live webinars, shared learning opportunities, competitions or networking events. As a member benefit, these events are accessible to everyone at your organisation and provide a platform for individuals to:
- Increase their knowledge and awareness of important sustainability issues,
- Connect with a supportive community of likeminded people, and
- Learn simple yet effective ways to help build a better future for people and the planet.
Green Campus Day
During World Green Building Week in September, campuses across Australasia will open their *virtual* doors for Green Campus Day – a day of sustainable events and tours for staff, students, business and industry representatives, visitors and the community.
ACTS members are offered a range of COVID-safe onsite events, online live streams, or stream anytime video options.
Member portal
The ACTS member portal provides you with individualised access to a range of resource collections covering all aspects of campus sustainability, from governance to curriculum to operations. If your organisation is a member of ACTS, then you can register for your own portal access to take advantage of webinar recordings, our online resource hub, exclusive members contact database and a wealth of international resources thanks to our strategic partners.
Cohort members
STARS
In partnership with the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), ACTS is delighted to be able to provide members discounted access to the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), as well as additional support to work towards a rating through the unique ACTS STARS Cohort group.
STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for higher education institutions to measure their sustainability performance with global benchmarking. It encompasses long-term sustainability goals for already high-achieving institutions as well as entry points of recognition for institutions that are taking first steps toward sustainability.
LiFE
Learning In Future Environments (LiFE) was developed by sector colleagues from the UK, Australia and New Zealand to guide and support institutions to map their own route to a more sustainable future.
Whatever sustainability looks like in your institution, LiFE will help you identify gaps, focus your resources and set targets to drive change across the whole institution. You can decide to do all of the LiFE or just one of the priority areas.
Access to the LiFE guidelines is free for all ACTS members and compliments those working towards a STARS rating.
