Sustainability Policy

Policy Statement

In establishing this policy, the University reinforces its commitment to build on its achievements in the efficient management of energy, water and key material resources, and the minimization of waste and emissions, and commits to continue to find new and innovative ways to demonstrate leadership in research, teaching, learning, operations, partnerships, capacity building and networking to advance sustainability through the University’s Strategic Plan 2020–2025.

Together, these commitments coalesce into a vision for the University where:

• research, teaching and action for sustainability are actively encouraged and supported

• the University’s achievements in this regard are to a level where they can make a difference in the world

• staff members are attracted to the University to research, teach and practice sustainability

• students are attracted to the University to learn, research and contribute to sustainability

• ideas and concepts around sustainability are germinated and taken beyond the University to the workforce and society, where they are further developed and brought to fruition, and

• staff and students

• recognize their role as stewards of the resources they use

• take action to minimize adverse impacts on the environment as a result of their activities and

• protect and enhance the life-supporting characteristics of our world

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a vision and a set of principles to guide our actions to support sustainability and improve our environmental performance.

Scope

All University members, staff and students, suppliers, partners, contractors and tenants

Principles and policy statements

The key principles that the University will follow to achieve our obligations with regard to sustainability:

• Research towards a sustainable future

• Teaching and learning for sustainability

• Sustainable operating practices, this includes:

• minimizing the energy, water and material resources we use

• reducing our wastes and emissions at source

• recovering resources for re-use and recycling

• increase the volume of water reuse

• applying sustainability principles to the design, building, refurbishment and operation of our buildings and to the management of our campuses and biodiversity reserves and

• promoting the use of sustainable modes of transport.

• Partnerships for sustainability

• Capacity building and networking to advance sustainability

• Monitoring and reporting

Effective Date: December 12, 2018                                      

Review Date: Jun 15, 2023