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Impact

Innovating Policy for a Sustainable Future

Collaboration that Creates Change

At CUSP, impact means turning research into real-world change. We work with communities, industry, and government to co-design evidence-based solutions in energy, transport, urban planning, climate resilience, and more. Our projects inform policy, deliver demonstration initiatives, and drive systems change, while our postgraduate programs equip future sustainability leaders with hands-on experience and industry engagement. Together, we’re shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.

Our impact also extends to the next generation of sustainability leaders. Through our Master of Environment and Climate Emergency and PhD programs, students gain hands-on experience, industry engagement, and the opportunity to contribute to real-world projects with real-world relevance.

CUSP is always open to new collaborations, with those who share our mission to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.

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Demonstration Projects & Pilots

Turning research into real-world solutions

We believe that sustainability research should lead to practical outcomes. That’s why CUSP is actively involved in real-world demonstration projects that test and refine new ideas in collaboration with community, government, and industry.

One example is the Strategic Electric Vehicle Integration (SEVI) project with a case study at Witchcliffe Ecovillage, which explores how electric vehicles and renewable energy systems can be orchestrated for local benefit. Through projects like these, we help pave the way for innovative, scalable solutions to sustainability challenges.

Community & Industry Partnerships

Collaboration that amplifies impact

Strong partnerships are central to our work. CUSP engages with local communities, government agencies, industry leaders, and non-profit organisations to co-create knowledge and design solutions that are context-specific, practical, and lasting.

Whether developing policy tools, co-hosting research forums, or supporting the sustainability transition in regional towns and emerging industries, our collaborations ensure that research is relevant, responsive, and ready for real-world application.

Student Impact & Alumni Pathways

Educating the next generation of changemakers

CUSP’s impact extends through the people we teach and mentor. Our Master of Environment and Climate Emergency and PhD programs combine academic rigour with hands-on experience, equipping students to drive sustainability in their chosen fields.

Our alumni are applying their skills across sectors—from government and consulting to advocacy and international development. Many go on to become leaders and innovators in sustainability, helping shape a more just, resilient, and regenerative world.

Policy Influence

Shaping decisions that shape the future

CUSP plays a vital role in informing public policy at local, national and global levels. Our researchers provide evidence-based advice to governments, industry bodies, and international organisations, ensuring sustainability principles are embedded into decision-making processes.

From contributing to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the UN Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition, to advising Australian state and federal governments on infrastructure, energy, and urban development, CUSP’s expertise is shaping the policies that will guide the transition to a more sustainable future.

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