Goal 15: Life on land

Care for the planet, its ecosystems and its people is at the core of our University philosophy and strategy.

In all that we do in our research, our teaching, on our campuses and in our local regions, we work to improve the health and wellbeing of our local and global communities, and the planet that we share.

We find practical solutions for the protection of ecosystems and human communities, collaborating with industry, Indigenous groups and government to improve life on land.

Deforestation and desertification – caused by human activities and climate change – pose major challenges to sustainable development and have affected the lives and livelihoods of millions of people.
– United Nations

Sustainability on campus

Seeds to Success is a voluntary program for VU students to produce native plants used to restore one the last remnants of native grasslands in the west of Melbourne. The program is operated through Iramoo Native Plant Nursery at the St Albans Campus.

Research groups addressing Goal 15

Rhino environmental protection work

Applied ecology & environmental change research group

This research group positively influences the protection, rehabilitation and resilience of threatened species, ecosystems and human communities to climate change and other environmental hazards.

Sustainable futures innovation hub

This collaborative hub researches responsible consumption and production practices in key industry sectors, in-line with the State Government’s Recycling Victoria strategy.

Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities (ISILC)

ISILC has a cross-disciplinary approach that draws on the expertise of academic leaders to create solutions for today's social, economic, environmental and technological challenges.

Programs addressing Goal 15

Postgraduate Certificate in Planetary Health

Planetary health alliance

We are part of the rapidly growing global planetary health community, which recognises the intersect between the health of people and the planet – and the impact of human behaviour upon the natural wo

Moondani Balluk – Indigenous Academic Unit

Moondani Balluk approaches care for Country with the knowledge and wisdom of more than 50,000 years of history and culture.

Renewable electricity agreement

Victoria University has entered into a power-purchase agreement to procure 100% renewable electricity.

VU stories

Andrea Hoymann smiling, standing outside

Using a planetary health education to guide business decisions

Graduate Certificate in Planetary Health

"I was working in a start-up and I was seeing interesting sustainability solutions coming out of that area of industry. I came across the graduate certificate at Victoria University. It seemed like a great opportunity. "

I was working in a start-up and I was seeing interesting sustainability solutions coming out of that area of industry. I came across the graduate certificate at Victoria University. It seemed like a great opportunity.

Andrea's planetary health story

Andree Ruggeri

An education that’s part of the solution

Graduate Certificate in Planetary Health

"I'm still surprised at how much of an impact a short course has had on my life, and I think that’s down to it being such an important topic and an interesting way of learning."

I'm still surprised at how much of an impact a short course has had on my life, and I think that’s down to it being such an important topic and an interesting way of learning.

Carolina Aguirre

Becoming a planetary health advocate

Graduate Certificate in Planetary Health, Master of Applied Psychology

"In this open and diverse environment, you learn from classmates as well as the highly experienced lecturers and guest speakers, who were so inspiring and motivating."

In this open and diverse environment, you learn from classmates as well as the highly experienced lecturers and guest speakers, who were so inspiring and motivating.

Carolina's story