Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is committed to working towards the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its governance, teaching and learning, community engagement, partnerships and research. The following initiatives are by UOW staff and students working towards Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Teaching, learning and research in numbers

Across our subjects, courses, research publications and partnerships, UOW staff and students continued working towards the goals in 2025. 

*SciVal figures accessed July - October 2026

12,058 students studying subjects about this goal
27% of publications related to this goal had international collaboration*
6.1 citations per publication*
29.8% publications in the Top 10% most cited*

Case studies

The University of Wollongong, together with the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre, worked alongside industry leaders, government stakeholders, experts and community members to understand the challenges and potential of regenerative aquaculture on the NSW South Coast.  

Regenerative ocean aquaculture is non-intensive, feed-free aquaculture which allows the stock to grow on its own, using natural food sources and conditions. Conducted over a 12-month period, the research explored how Indigenous, community and economic values can inform the emerging seaweed farming and evolving shellfish farming sectors in waters off the NSW South Coast.

Led by UOW Principal Research Fellow Associate Professor Michelle Voyer from ANCORS, the project team explored opportunities for the development of kelp and mussel farming aquaculture in the local area. The study found a very high degree of support for the development of this industry across the NSW South Coast.

To support the transition and responsible growth of a regenerative aquaculture industry in the area, the study recommendations focused on the establishment of research trial sites, co-designed site selection, and the development of a framework to support First Nations leadership in the regenerative aquaculture industry.

ocean pools nsw south coast

Discover UOW’s role in sustainable blue-economy innovation

 

 

Initiatives

A new, multi-purpose tourism, community and research hub, the National Circularity Centre (NCC) will be built in the Bega Valley on the NSW South Coast, to develop market-leading research and demonstrate replicable models for the circular economy.

The Centre will keep resources in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them while in use, before recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of their life.

The University of Wollongong, through its membership of the Regional Circularity Cooperative (RCC), will be a driving partner to establish the Centre, bringing research expertise in energy, materials innovation and sustainable building practices.

The NCC will be a test case for scalable solutions with potential for world-wide application. It will offer business and edu-tourism opportunities where visitors can see solutions they can implement in their own workplaces and homes.

Waste Minimisation of Plastics and Disposable Items

UOW strives to drive behaviours that create a circular economy to reduce the overall amount of waste generated. Our waste management prioritises reducing, reusing, recycling and, where there is no other feasible option, the proper disposal of waste.

Under the guidance of our Purchasing and Procurement Policy, UOW prioritises the purchase of assets and products that are made of recycled materials or can be reused or recycled at end-of-life, and avoid the purchase of single use (disposable) items and plastics. This is outlined in the university’s Waste Management Action Plan [PDF].

The Purchasing and Procurement Policy extends to contractors who are either outsourced suppliers or outsourced service providers. As such, the decrease of waste generation must be a shared goal of UOW and that of its suppliers and contractors. This is outlined in our Waste Management Action Plan. Additionally, according to the environmental sustainability principles of our Supplier Code of Conduct [PDF], the University prefers to work with suppliers that share the same environmental commitments and goals.

Ethical Sourcing Policy

All purchases and procurements by and for UOW are governed by the Purchasing and Procurement Policy. This includes all food and supplies. It states that all products must be sustainably and responsibly sourced with particular emphasis on the social and environmental impact of the sourcing process, and that workers involved in the procurement process are treated fairly in accordance with Anti-Slavery principles.

In terms of food sourcing, the main caterer of UOW, Aspire, is committed to sustainability and implements sustainable work practices in its operations. Where possible, the fruits and vegetables it purchases are locally sourced from sustainable farms and in close collaboration with Green Connect in the Illawarra, our local region, to improve and deliver sustainable food.

Research environment

Australian Power Quality Research Centre (APQRC)

Partnering with industry, APQRC helps improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply for consumers. They provide training, focusing on enhancing the integration of renewable energy and improving the quality and reliability of electricity supply.

The Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions (CSES)

Focusing on threats to ecosystems, CSES reports on invasive species, disturbances, climate change, and human impact.

ARC Training Centre in Energy Technologies for Future Grids

Training the next generation of electrical power engineers with the multidisciplinary skills needed to navigate the rapidly changing energy sector

Latest news for Goal 12

Environment and Energy

Cheap, effective and dangerous: how Australian farmers came to depend on the toxic weedkiller paraquat

Despite concerns that longer-term exposure could be linked to Parkinson’s disease, there are few alternatives suited to current farming practices

UOW remains in world’s top 50 for THE Sustainability Impact Ratings

Sustained top-50 performance reflects commitment to real-world impact
Business and Economy

Global report shows retailers still falling short on sustainable chocolate

The 7th edition Chocolate Scorecard reveals uneven progress and gaps in retailer accountability and transparency in cocoa sustainability

Health and Medicine

Sprouting solutions

The concept of edible campuses hasn't taken off in Australia, but a team of dedicated nutrition and dietetics experts is determined to see UOW forge a different path
Community

Putting a lid on recycling myths

National Recycling Week (11–17 November) aims to improve recycling knowledge and promote better practices. We asked UOW's Dominique Di Leva to set the record straight on some of the most persistent recycling misconceptions.
Alumni, Environment and Energy

Finding beauty in seaweed and sustainability

“You’ve got to create solutions that work,” says Dr Pia Winberg, a celebrated marine ecologist, entrepreneur and graduate of the University of Wollongong (UOW). Her focus on seaweed and microalgae is not just about products but a mission to address global sustainability challenges.

More news for Goal 12 More stories for Goal 12

Explore UOW's impact and commitment to each of the SDGs

No Poverty
Zero Hunger
Good Health and Well-Being
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Clean Water and Sanitation
Affordable and Clean Energy
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Reduced Inequalities
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Life Below Water
Life on Land
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Partnerships for the Goals

Contact us

Get in touch with the UOW Media Team to learn more about our commitment and contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

+61 2 4221 4227 media@uow.edu.au