First nature-related financial disclosure for university

The University of Sydney has published a nature-related financial disclosure aligned with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).

The voluntary disclosure, released as part of the university’s 2024 Sustainability Annual Report, shows how the TNFD framework can be effectively applied to a large and complex organisation.

It maps the university’s dependencies and impacts on nature across more than 12,000 hectares of campuses, farms and field stations, demonstrating how nature can be embedded in decision-making, investment planning and long-term strategy.

The university’s Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Professor Annamarie Jagose, said the milestone reflected the institution’s longstanding leadership in environmental research and education.

“Through research and education, we have a proud history of building knowledge that helps protect and restore the environments we all rely on,” Jagose said. “This disclosure strengthens that commitment by showing — transparently and proactively — how nature underpins our teaching, research and operations. By adopting this framework early, we’re helping shape what responsible, nature-positive leadership looks like for universities globally,” Jagose said.

Drawing on expertise from across the university, including researchers in biodiversity, water, soil science, ecology and data analytics, the assessment brings together research capability and teaching excellence in climate and nature.

Students also contributed through site-based analysis, reinforcing the university’s role in preparing the next generation of environmental leaders.

The university’s Director of Sustainability, Gillian Graham-Crowe, said the disclosure provided a practical blueprint for the sector.

“As centres of research, education and public leadership, universities are pivotal in shaping how society responds to environmental challenges,” Graham-Crowe said. “This work shows that nature considerations can and should integrate with financial planning, infrastructure decisions, operational risk and long-term strategy. Our disclosure is clear and actionable, helping our institution better understand the risks and opportunities that come with protecting and restoring nature, while also encouraging others to follow suit.”

The disclosure highlights opportunities for nature-positive action across the university’s landholdings, including restoration, Indigenous land management practices, ecological fire management, and improved integration of environmental considerations into future planning.

“We want to ensure that our risk assessments value and protect nature consistent with the way that we assess financial or operational risk,” Jagose said. “By stepping forward early, we aim to support a global shift towards more resilient, nature-aware institutions.”

The findings will guide the university’s next phase of work to strengthen data, set nature-related targets, and further integrate environmental considerations across campus planning, research, operations and partnerships.

Image credit: iStock.com/Virojt Changyencham