About us

The Net Zero Institute, previously the Net Zero Initiative, brings more than 150 researchers from across the University of Sydney together with industry collaborators to develop solutions across a range of disciplines, from extracting critical minerals from waste and greenhouse gas removals, to net zero health and green computing.

Formerly a grassroots collective of researchers, in May 2024, the University elevated the Institute to one of its flagship research centres to accelerate solution-based research and assist the world in meeting its climate change goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

• Help manufacturers create low emissions technology, materials and processes, profitably and at scale.
• Help governments develop policy frameworks around existing, new and emerging technologies that provide incentives for businesses and consumers as well as attracting global investment and markets.
• Work with water, energy and transport providers to reduce waste, inefficiencies and carbon emissions within their current infrastructure, as well as investing in the right technologies for the future.
• Ensure Australia’s workforce remains globally competitive through educating and upskilling workers for new and changing industries.

Some key examples of our work include:

• Creating an emissions-free aviation sector by optimising fuel efficiencies, aircraft design, adoption of hydrogen fuel cells and the development of battery and hybrid engines
• Developing new construction materials – such as green steel and green concrete – that improve longevity while reducing waste and environmental impact
• Creating digital twins of wind farms to enhance their performance in changing environmental conditions, extend their lifespan and increase the consistency of energy generation
• Collaborating with industry across multiple sectors to develop next-generation batteries with greater storage capacity and a longer lifespan
• Working with young people to understand the impacts of climate anxiety and address the future mental health implications and identify appropriate support structures
• Helping governments create incentives for the uptake of low-emission technologies, products and services.