In this year's International Green Gowns Award, Charles Sturt University received the highly commended prize in the Sustainability Institution of the Year award. It was one of only three Australasian institutes to be named a finalist for the prize.

"This was really the best of the best, and while it would have been nice to win, it was some strong competition," said Edward Maher of CSU Green in Wagga.

"We held our own and the judges agreed, we're doing some impressive things."

As part of the sustainability team, Mr Maher works with up to 120 staff and students around the state in implementing renewable strategies.

"We've been certified as Australia's first carbon-neutral university," Mr Maher said.

"Our onsite collection of renewable energy sources is up there as one of the biggest at any university."

The university is now hoping to be able to produce 100 per cent of its energy needs through renewable means by the year 2030.

"Our university sees sustainability as a graduate learning outcome, so no matter what you do, you'll be aware of sustainable issues in the context of your degree type," Mr Maher said.

"I think that's what makes us enviable on the world stage."

The award chosen every second year by the United Nations. But this year's ceremony on July 8 became the first ever virtual gala.

"This year it was going to be held in New York," Mr Maher said. "At least we saved a few carbon miles by not travelling there."