Goal 14: Life below water

Environmental research related to water systems at VU has a practical focus, resulting in quantitative information provided to state, federal and international environmental agencies. It is used to positively influence the protection, rehabilitation and resilience of threatened species, ecosystems and human communities.

In addition to this collaborative and impactful contribution to environmental protection, we conduct our own University business in a responsible way, creating positive ecological effects through practical intiatives.

Saving our ocean must remain a priority. Marine biodiversity is critical to the health of people and our planet.
– United Nations

Sustainability on campus

VU has a backwash water treatment plant with all mains water connections to closed-loop mechanical systems and laboratories/potential contamination areas protected with backflow devices. Backflow devices are tested annually.

Research groups addressing Goal 14

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.

Water & wastewater treatment research

This research group finds solutions to water contamination through expertise in water use, environment assessment and ecology.

Applied ecology & environmental change research group

Finding environmentally sound solutions at the local, national and international level, including for ecosystem management, inland and coastal wetland systems, and estuaries.

Programs addressing Goal 14

University sustainability initiative

Our dedication to creating a sustainable campus includes rainwater harvesting and backwash treatment, which saves approximately 2 million litres of water annually.

A man and woman smile at a Victoria University branded table, with branded banners in the background and two smiling, professional looking people

Greater Western Water collaboration

Greater Western Water and VU collaborate on a number of research projects in the areas of water treatment and sustainable water resource management.

Green roof designers in the new garden

Green roof garden on campus

Our “living lab” roof garden improves the water quality of roof run-off, and reduces occurrences of flash-flooding by absorbing rain that would otherwise flow into stormwater drains.

VU stories

Jacinta Sapwell.

Jacinta's making a splash in sustainability

Bachelor of Science

"The Bachelor of Science at VU was super hands-on, which I loved. In my job now I get to help conserve this extraordinary place."

The Bachelor of Science at VU was super hands-on, which I loved. In my job now I get to help conserve this extraordinary place.

Read Jacinta's story

Zohreh Rajabi, Civil Engineering student and water researcher

Flow-on effect: Water researcher sets sights on the future

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering), Doctor of Philosophy

"As a researcher, every day is a dream come true. Only 12% of engineers in Australia are female, so I strive to achieve, and hope that I can motivate future generations."

As a researcher, every day is a dream come true. Only 12% of engineers in Australia are female, so I strive to achieve, and hope that I can motivate future generations.

Saving fur seals through research

Bachelor of Science, Master of Science (Research)

"I spent four months in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand's North Island. I received a VU postgraduate scholarship and the New Zealand study became the basis for my masters degree."

I spent four months in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand's North Island. I received a VU postgraduate scholarship and the New Zealand study became the basis for my masters degree.