Sustainability
Website
Macquarie University Sustainability website
An Overview
Macquarie's vision is to be ecologically sound, socially just, and economically viable in all it's activities. We understand that as an institution of higher learning we play a leading role in training the leaders, professionals and policy-makers of the future. We also consume significant resources here on campus. As such, we have developed a holistic strategy for change towards sustainability, which addresses all aspects of our core business from learning and teaching, engagement, fair trade, and governance to procurement, resource efficiency and transportation
Macquarie takes action
Our resource focus has led to substantial savings in energy, water and waste. Most notably is our Sydney Water awarded 4-star achievement in water management; our 70% diversion of waste from landfill; and our large-scale energy savings initiatives such as the installation of a third chilled water tower.
Our learning and teaching focus endeavours to ensure that all students become socially and environmentally responsible citizens through including interdisciplinary studies that focus on society and the environment in all degrees.
Our focus on responsible purchasing has seen us become the joint first Fairtrade accredited university in the Southern Hemisphere, the abolishment of plastic in Campus Experience food outlets, and the tendering of only 100% recycled or FSC certified paper supply.
These changes have occurred through the combined efforts of our staff and students. Our focus on community engagement has led to the establishment of initiatives such as the Sustainability Representative Network (for staff), the Student Sustainability Network (for students), Bushcare@MQ, the Department Sustainability Challenge, and the incorporation of sustainability training into all new staff induction packages.
Understanding Our Responsibility
Macquarie Sustainability is the department responsible for the change towards sustainability occurring on campus. It consists of a team of 9 dedicated people who work enthusiastically to make Macquarie an example of best practice. Since our journey began in 2008, we have built a program that engages our community in the process of change required to become more sustainable. We have a committed top-down, bottom-up approach with Sustainability sitting within the Vice-Chancellor’s portfolio, and support, engagement and participation ensuing from our staff and students.
Our Efforts Recognised
A number of our sustainability efforts to date have been publicly awarded.
- 2010 NSW State Government Green Globe Public Sector Sustainability Awards – awarded for our holistic approach to sustainability;
- 2010 NSW Keep Australia Beautiful Runner Up - Water Conservation;
- 2010 NSW Keep Australia Beautiful Highly Commended - Waste Minimisation;
- 2009 FTAANZ Certified Fair Trade University;
- 2003 Bronze Medal in the Green Buildings Awards – Recognising the environmental sustainability of the mixed mode E4A and E4B buildings;
- 2001 NSW State Government Green Globe Award for Sustainability – Awarded for our cogeneration plant, which uses gas to fuel two generators that produce electrical energy, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 44%.
More information
Visit the Macquarie University Sustainability website to discover how Macquarie University is driving change for sustainability both internally and externally, and how you can get involved.