A Sustainability Strategy that felt credible and authentic

AptoNow was engaged by the Chief Operations Officer of a mid-sized Australian university to develop a whole-of institution, 10-year Sustainability Strategy. As a progressive and forward-thinking institution, the University aimed to not only reduce its environmental impact but also become a leader in embedding sustainability across all aspects of university life. However there was a critical challenge in aligning priorities and expectations across different stakeholder groups, ranging from highly committed student and staff sustainability advocates, through to broader industry stakeholders and the University Council.

Our team facilitated a broad and positive co-design process with key stakeholders ranging from students through to Council members

Over an intensive 3-month engagement, AptoNow worked with the client team to undertake a co-design process and develop a robust Sustainability Strategy that had broad buy-in. Key activities included:  

• Agreement on up-front design principles – we collaboratively developed up-front success criteria for the Sustainability Strategy. This was critical, as previous attempts to develop a sustainability strategy had failed to gain internal alignment.

• Broad engagement of staff in co-design – we empowered Steering Committee members to lead staff engagement sessions across the University, and seek broad input from staff on their sustainability priorities. This process ensured that staff felt a high level of ownership and engagement.

• Engagement with students – set up a student survey and Sustainability ideation board during campus Sustainability week, which gave over 500 students direct input into the development of the strategy.

• Data analysis and benchmarking – we ensured the consultations were supported and informed by data analysis and benchmarking of the University’s current sustainability performance compared to sector best practices.

• Compelling narrative for Council – we worked with the Steering Committee to write a compelling narrative for Council and a final Sustainability Strategy that felt authentic to the University’s identity and voice.  

The final Sustainability Strategy was enthusiastically approved by the University Council and embraced by staff and students  

The final Sustainability Strategy was approved by the University Council and is now being implemented. Both the project process and the final deliverable were commended by the executive sponsor and Council. The final strategy document was tailored to the university’s strengths as a young, innovative institution, ensuring that sustainability initiatives align with the university’s mission and values.