Monash Report 2024 – Goal 6

Monash University Report 2024 on the UN Sustainable Development Goals

6 CLEAN WATER
AND SANITATION

Ensure availability and sustainable management
of water and sanitation for all

Research
Education
Engagement
Operations

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2024 Publications Performance View

In 2024 Monash University researchers produced 120 publications related to SDG 6, with a mean Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) of 6.04.

What is Field-Weighted Citation Impact?

Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) refers to the ratio of the actual number of citations received by a research output and the total citations expected based on the average of the subject field. An FWCI value of 1 may be interpreted as having ‘world average impact’. Thus, a publication with an FWCI of more than 1 indicates higher than expected citations based on the global average for similar publications. As FWCI reflects citations received to date, a publication’s FWCI value may fluctuate over time.

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RISE program celebrates completion of community upgrades in Makassar, Indonesia View

The RISE program, led by Professor Diego Ramirez-Lovering from the Monash Art, Design and Architecture (MADA) Informal Cities Lab, celebrated the completion of community upgrades in Makassar, Indonesia.

SDG6-Res1 RISE program Indonesia

This initiative involved co-designing and implementing water-sensitive infrastructure upgrades in informal settlements to provide essential sanitation and water services, thereby improving living conditions and strengthening climate resilience for over 1,400 residents.

The program emphasises community involvement in developing tailored solutions to address unique local stressors, contributing to sustainable urban growth in low- and middle-income countries.

Read the full article in MADA News

Related SDGs

Impact of pharmaceutical pollution on aquatic life View

Monash University researchers, in collaboration with the University of Tuscia, conducted studies on the impact of pharmaceutical pollution on aquatic life, specifically focusing on the antidepressant fluoxetine's effects on freshwater fish. The research highlights the need for improved wastewater treatment and greener drug design to mitigate environmental pollution:

The study on fluoxetine's impact on male guppies underscores the ecological consequences of pharmaceutical residues in wastewater.

Greener Drug Design

An international study published in Nature Sustainability, involving Monash researchers, calls for eco-friendly drug design and sustainable prescribing practices to minimise environmental impacts, emphasising the severe ecological and evolutionary impacts of pharmaceutical pollutants.

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In focus: MSDI water lecturer Paul Satur View

SDG 6 clean water 2

Dr Paul Satur, a lecturer at MSDI Water, focuses on community-driven water projects and the importance of water management. His research aims to broaden the dialogue in water planning and management by enabling place and Country-centred processes that enhance local capabilities and support ecological and social vitality. Dr Satur has collaborated with Melbourne Water to integrate diversity and inclusion principles into their services, ensuring greater accessibility and cultural safety.

This work highlights the need for holistic water management systems that incorporate diverse ways of knowing and valuing water, including First Nations science and knowledge.

Read the full article in Monash Sustainable Development Institute News

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Better water efficiency saves on bills, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions View

Researchers from the Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI), in collaboration with The University of Queensland, conducted a detailed analysis of over 20,000 households in Melbourne to identify significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and costs through improved water efficiency.

SDG6-Res4 Water efficiency Victoria

The study suggests that a Melbourne-wide program involving simple shower head retrofits could save households $160 annually and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 98-226 kilotonnes per year.

The Net Zero Carbon Water Cycle Program explores technical, behavioural and enabling factors for sustainable reductions in water-related energy emissions. The program is set to proceed with large-scale trials to demonstrate the benefits of these interventions.

Read the full article in MSDI News

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Flooding events – even before conception – can impact birth outcome View

Professors Shanshan Li and Yuming Guo from the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine conducted a landmark study on the impact of flooding on birth outcomes, using data from over 1.3 million births in Sydney and Brisbane. The study found that women exposed to floods before conception or during the first trimester are at higher risk of adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and stillbirth.

The research highlights the need for pre-pregnancy and perinatal risk assessments and management in light of increasing flood events due to climate change.

Read the full article in Monash Medicine News

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Unit statistics and highlights View

In 2024, Monash offered 45 units directly related to SDG 6, with 6959 total enrolments.

Highlighted below are a few of the units at Monash related to Clean Water and Sanitation:

EAE3331 Water and the land
ENS5330 Water security and environmental pollution
CIV5178 Advanced water treatment

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Monash architecture students tackle river pollution challenges View

SDG6-Edu1 Citarum River field trip

Monash architecture students from the Bachelor of Architectural Design and Master of Architecture participated in a two-week intensive travel studio in Indonesia, led by Dr Brendan Josey from Monash Art, Design and Architecture’s Informal Cities Lab. The 'Closing the Loop' studio focused on the Citarum Action Research Program (CARP) in West Java, addressing the severe pollution of the Citarum River.

Students engaged in live action research, exploring the impacts of climate change, poor sanitation, and industrial pollution on local ecosystems and communities.

The program, supported by the Australian Government's New Colombo Plan, facilitated collaboration with local partners and academic institutions to address these environmental challenges.

Read the full article in Monash Art, Design and Architecture News

Related SDGs

Giving children a voice on their water futures View

Dr Bronwyn Cumbo, formerly from the Monash Emerging Technologies Research Lab, conducted research with filmmaker Dr Rowena Potts to involve children in water futures planning. The Our Water Futures project engaged seven children from Melbourne to explore their daily water experiences using participatory film methods. This approach empowered children to lead the research process, providing insights into their water encounters and perspectives on broader issues like water security and climate change.

The research highlights the importance of including children's voices in water futures planning, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Read the full article in Monash Lens

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Monash students create furniture out of waste plastic View

Monash Bachelor of Design students, including Anja Johansen and Tom Skehan, participated in the Precious Plastic Design Challenge as part of the Citarum Action Research Program (CARP) in collaboration with Precious Plastic Bandung, Indonesia. The challenge involved creating furniture from waste plastic collected from the Citarum River, one of the world's most polluted rivers.

The initiative aimed to address plastic pollution, enhance local areas, support eco-tourism, and showcase sustainability initiatives.

Monash design student Anja Johansen with her prototyped design at the Precious Plastic Bandung workshop.

Anja Johansen's design, the Citarum Current Collection, and Tom Skehan's Citarum Cantilever Chair were among the winning designs, with Johansen's design being prototyped in Indonesia.

Read the full article in Monash Art, Design and Architecture News

Related SDGs

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Leading the way in water system transformation for sustainable development View

The Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI) Water team, led by Professor Briony Rogers, collaborates with industry partners to transform water systems for sustainable development. Their work focuses on Indigenous water rights, community resilience, and regenerative urban planning.

Key initiatives include Water Sensitive Cities Australia, which aims to enhance urban resilience in Southeast Asia, and the Water Sensitive Cities Index Tool Training for WWF Pakistan. Other projects involve net zero carbon water cycle projects, Aqua Nullius workshops, and large-scale integrated water management planning in regional Victoria.

Photo of lake

These efforts aim to embed sustainable water management practices into broader development agendas.

Read the full article in MSDI News

Related SDGs

Revitalising the Citarum River: a collaborative Living Lab approach View

Monash University researchers, including Dr Paris Hadfield from the Monash Sustainable Development Institute and Dr Michaela Prescott from Monash Art, Design and Architecture (MADA), are leading a study on the revitalisation of the Citarum River in West Java, Indonesia. The project employs a 'Living Lab' approach, integrating community-led, transdisciplinary research and practical interventions to tackle severe pollution, urbanisation, and climate change impacts.

Photo of Citarum River in Indonesia

The initiative involves local communities, government bodies, NGOs, businesses, and researchers to co-develop sustainable solutions for restoring the river ecosystem, aiming to balance economic, social, and environmental needs.

Read the full article in Monash News

Related SDGs

RISE program enhances sanitation and resilience in Indonesia and Fiji View

The RISE program, co-directed by Monash University professors, has implemented community upgrades in Makassar, Indonesia, and organised a symposium in Fiji to enhance water, sanitation, and climate resilience in informal settlements:

In Makassar, the program transformed informal settlements with nature-based wetland sewage treatment systems, drainage improvements, and internet-connected pressure sewer systems, benefiting over 1,400 residents.

RISE Program session in progress

The RISE Symposium in Fiji, organised with Fiji’s Ministry of Housing and Fiji National University, aimed to amplify the RISE initiative's impact by fostering partnerships across various sectors. Key presentations by Monash University representatives highlighted innovative decentralised sanitation solutions to improve living conditions in Suva's informal settlements.

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Stormwater pollution View

SDG 6 clean water 1

The Monash Design and Construction Standards feature Grounds and Landscaping Requirements to ensure all construction activities are carried out in accordance with best practice guidelines issued by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria and Melbourne Water to minimise risk of stormwater pollution, from contaminated runoff of chemicals, sediments, or other associated construction refuse.

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Building standards and water-sensitive urban design View

The Monash University Design and Construction Standards incorporate a range of requirements to reduce potable water use, including through use of efficient fixtures and fittings, improving drought tolerance of campus landscapes and prioritising non-potable water options where possible.

The University uses Water Sensitive Urban Design practices to ensure that campuses are purifying water resources on campus, reducing damaging peak flow and maximising efficiency of water harvesting systems and infiltration into campus landscapes while also reinvigorating and reinstating natural waterway habitats.