Based in Property Services in the Operations Portfolio, the Sustainability Team works across all functions of the University to provide expertise and drive initiatives to support the University's strategy, plans, policies and commitments to drive sustainability outcomes.
In 2021, the Sustainability Team was awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Award for Courage. The award was in recognition of the team’s courage in responding to issues of importance to our community and our world.
Each year the team undertakes a program of events on campus, supports student projects and provides guest lectures.
Contact us at: sustainability@rmit.edu.au
Meet the team
Lin Stevenson - Senior Manager, Sustainability
Lin Stevenson has been working at RMIT University since 2009, having previously worked in various UK local government sustainability roles. As the Senior Manager, Sustainability and Deputy Chair of the RMIT Sustainability Committee she leads a team which provides strategic advice to the executive and the wider community on sustainable management of assets and operations. Based within the Property Services Group, responsibilities include strategy development, project coordination, infrastructure planning, reporting, partnerships and communication to enhance the University's profile as a sustainable organisation. In her role on the Sustainability Committee, she also oversees governance issues, such as policy development, responsible investment and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Triza Deeptimala - Senior Advisor Sustainability, Carbon & Reporting
Triza Deeptimala joined RMIT in 2023. She has a Master of Science in Climate Change, having researched aviation, greenhouse gas emissions and management policies. She has previously worked as the Environmental Advisor for Airservices Australia driving positive environmental and sustainability outcomes for multiple sites across Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. As Senior Advisor, Sustainability, Carbon and Reporting, Triza will support the delivery of key sustainability plans, including carbon management, emissions reduction and resource efficiency, and is responsible for the strategic pathway to meet RMIT’s carbon neutral 2025 target.
Julie O’Brien - Senior Advisor, Sustainable Development
Julie joined the RMIT Sustainability Team in early 2023. Having previously worked in sustainability and community development roles for a wide range of organisations in tertiary, government, business consultancy and not-for-profit organisations, Julie has experience in policy, strategy, program development, partnerships, project delivery and grassroots action. As the Senior Advisor, Sustainable Development, and a member of the RMIT Sustainability Committee, Julie supports the committee to ensure that the SDGs lens is applied to strategic directions and the policy landscape of the University. Responsibilities include increasing awareness of the SDGs, developing and implementing strategic planning processes across the university, measuring impact, mapping sustainability expertise and collaborating with internal and external partners on the 2030 sustainable development agenda.
Julian Newman – Advisor Sustainability Engagement
Julian Newman joined RMIT in 2023. Julian has a Master in Urban Horticulture and previous experience working in water sustainability research. Julian hopes to continue the great work Hayley has done in this role, driving sustainability strategy and planning, and further engaging with staff and students to increase sustainability awareness.
Hayley Timmers - Advisor Sustainability Engagement
Hayley Timmers has been working at RMIT University since 2018 and is also a recent graduate of the RMIT Master of Urban Planning and Environment. As a Sustainability Engagement Advisor, Hayley devises strategies to create a cultural shift at the University by promoting the adoption of sustainable choices among student and staff in key programs and initiatives throughout the year. Hayley manages all sustainability communication channels, events, campaigns and awareness programs to encourage resource efficiency and promote the uptake of sustainability initiatives on campus.
Hamsa Farah – Advisor Sustainable Systems
Hamsa Farah has joined RMIT in 2021 as an Alumni from the Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) and Master of Environmental Science and Technology course at RMIT. Hamsa has previously worked as a Sustainability Advisor to deliver sustainable outcomes on some of Victoria’s largest major transport infrastructure projects. As a Sustainable Systems Advisor, Hamsa will devise, deliver, and monitor continuous improvement initiatives to drive sustainable outcomes and lead a key focus on circular economy, climate change adaptation and Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) to deliver holistic sustainability outcomes across RMIT.
