UNIVERSITY’S SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT A SUCCESS

Staff and Students have made an overwhelming Commitment to Sustainability at the University. In only one week, we received over 1,060 commitments to make changes to daily activities on campus that will assist in achieving a more Sustainable future.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGETS REACHED

In 2007, University Council agreed to undertake an Energy Reduction Program for 2008 – 2010 with a target to derive electricity savings equivalent to 20% of Parkville’s 2006 consumption.

This target was reached in October this year, and it is expected that cumulative annual savings from projects implemented over the course of the program will exceed 25,000 tonnes of carbon savings by year end.

Overall, our on-site energy reduction projects and external offsets have contributed to a nett emissions saving of 34% from 2006 to 2009. During this time the University space has increased by 12%, so our ‘carbon intensity’ has actually reduced by 42% based on emissions per metre of gross floor area.

This result illustrates the full significance of the University’s carbon reduction efforts, through the combined impact of on-site energy reduction projects and external offsets.

$50,000 ALLOCATED TO SUSTAINABILITY GRANT SCHEME

Property and Campus Services has provided $50,000 worth of grants for projects and programs that will demonstrably reduce the University’s environmental impact as part of ‘Achieving a Sustainable Campus’. Heads of all Budget Divisions, Staff Environment Advocates and Student Environment Representatives were invited to submit projects for consideration of funding allocation. Projects included lighting upgrades, replacement of inefficient electrical appliances and green roof initiatives.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE BICYCLE USERS GROUP / NATIONAL RIDE TO WORK DAY

The Melbourne University Bicycle User Group, UoM BUG, invited all bicycle riders to a free breakfast and the chance to meet other bike riders at a celebration of National Ride to Work Day on Wednesday 13 October. For the full story please see http://www.musse.unimelb.edu.au/october-10-47/celebrating-sustainability-national-ride-work-day

The BUG is free for all University staff, students and alumni. To join register at www.bug.sport.unimelb.edu.au

VENDING MACHINE FOR BIKE HELMETS

Further to our support of the Melbourne Bike Share, the University has participated in the trial of a helmet vending machine on Parkville campus. Subsidised helmets can be obtained for $5 from vending machines at North Court and Southern Cross station, or 7-Eleven stores.

For more information, go to: http://www.melbournebikeshare.com.au/

THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE RECEIVES A ‘HIGHLY COMMENDED’ AWARD

‘Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability’ (ACTS) is the primary forum for Sustainability in the Australian and New Zealand tertiary sectors. Its mission is to promote the integration of the principles of Sustainability within the curricula and operations of these sectors.

This year, ACTS launched the ‘Green Gown Awards’, which recognise the Sustainability efforts and achievements of TAFEs and Universities.

In the ‘Continuous Improvement – Institutional Change’ category the University of Melbourne recently received a ‘Highly Commended’ award.

Our entry highlighted the University’s long term commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our operations, whilst developing opportunities for students and staff to be informed and empowered as advocates for a more sustainable world. Sustainability at the University of Melbourne is evolving beyond an operational focus to a philosophy underpinning all that we do. The growing importance of ‘Education for Sustainability’ is reflected in our graduate attributes – enabling graduates to become “active global citizens” and to “be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment”.

We highlighted our rigorous reporting regime, which not only fulfils legislative requirements but holds us accountable to the commitments we have made. We communicate our progress in a transparent manner to other institutions and the wider community.

VICTORIAN ELECTIONS 2010: THE ENVIRONMENT DEBATE

Hosted by OEP (Office for Environmental Programs) and EIANZ (Environmental Institute of Australia and New Zealand)

Chair: Dr Peter Christoff, RM&G, University of Melbourne

Speakers: Hon Gavin Jennings, Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Innovation (ALP), Greg Barber, Environment, Finance and Indigenous Affairs portfolios (Greens)

Mary Woolridge, Shadow Minster for Environment & Climate Change (Liberal Party)

Thurs 4 Nov 2010 5.30pm-7pm

Harold Woodruff Theatre, level 1, Microbiology (bdg 184), Parkville Campus, University of Melbourne

RSVP needed to vic-events@eianz.org

For further information please see http://www.environment.unimelb.edu.au/

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO BE SUSTAINABLE IN YOUR LOCAL AREA?

If your Faculty / Department is being sustainable then please let us know about it. Send us your news, ideas, reports, announcements, etc, to sustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au

STUDENTS CORNER

STUDENT ENVIRONMENT COLLECTIVE

The Student Union Environment Collective is working on a number of projects within the University, including;

· Melbourne University Book Co-op (open 12- 2.30, Monday – Thursday, 1st Floor Union House (opposite the Food Co-op, next to the Environment Office).

· Online Environment Collective Students Forum; a space to share ideas about current environmental and social justice issues.

· Bike workshops

· Collaborating with Monash University Permaculture garden: students to develop a student garden on campus.

SUSTAINABILITY FACTS AND TIPS

Fact – 64% of carbon emissions from transport come from private car usage with 80% of adults still driving to work. This amounts to almost 10% of Australia’s total carbon emissions.*

Tip – The University Melbourne is committed to encouraging Sustainable forms of transport. The University now has 1,200 bicycle parking spaces and hosts three bicycle docking stations as part of the Melbourne Bike Share Scheme. For more information visit, http://www.sports.unimelb.edu.au/BUG/index.html

* Source: Sheldon, T, (2008), Understanding and reducing Our Sector’s Carbon Emissions, Transport Workers Union, Parramatta, NSW.

BEYOND THE CAMPUS

ACTS NEWSLETTER

Click here to download the latest ACTS newsletter, which includes:

Overview of the 2010 ACTS Conference
Green Gown Awards
Meet the new ACTS Board
New ACTS Logo
Highlights of the Higher and Further Educations… [read more...]

MOBILE MUSTER AND LANDCARE AUSTRALIA’S OLD PHONES MORE TREES CAMPAIGN

MobileMuster and Landcare Australia’s Old Phones More Trees campaign to help protect our beautiful coastlines is coming to a close at the end of October. For each kilogram of mobile phones, batteries, chargers and accessories, MobileMuster receives by 31st October we will plant a native tree in one of five key areas along Australia’s precious coastline through Landcare Australia and Coastcare volunteers.

Staff and Students can deposit old mobile phones in the Mobile Muster clear plastic receptacle, located in the Student Union Building next to the lifts. Anyone unable to get to the Student Union can send old mobile phones through internal mail marked for the attention of the Sustainability Unit, as per the Postal Address on the Contact Us page. Internal envelopes must weigh no more than 2kg.

STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES

MINUTES

Please see link to Minutes of the Staff Environment Advocates Forum held on Tuesday 22nd June 2010 from 10.00am – 11.00am in the Ian Potter Room.

UPDATE OF STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES LIST

Please keep your department’s representatives’ information up to date by emailing changes to sustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au. Our current list is reflected at http://sustainablecampus.unimelb.edu.au/involvement/sea/#forum

STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES FORUM MEETINGS FOR 2010

Staff Environment Advocates (SEA) is a forum for the communication of environmental issues, and for Advocates to raise environmental issues. Interested staff are also welcome to attend. All meetings will be held on a Tuesday from 10.00am – 11.00am.

December – Tuesday 7th – End of Year Wrap Up and Plans for 2011 – Sanderson Room, Medical Centre, Building 181, Level 2 Room W206.

*Note: These meetings may be video conferenced by prior arrangement.

_________________________________________________

Danielle Rostan-Herbert

Sustainability Manager, Engagement

Property & Campus Services I Sustainability Unit

625-631 Swanston Street, The University of Melbourne VIC 3010

T +61 3 8344 9275 F +61 3 8344 3057 E dmrostan@unimelb.edu.au

W sustainablecampus.unimelb.edu.au/

Note: Office days are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

Please consider the environment before printing this post.

UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE SUPPORTS GREEN STAR COMMUNITIES PROJECT

The University of Melbourne is the first education institution in Australia to sponsor the Green Star Communities project, with its commitment to support the development of a new rating tool for sustainable communities. For the full media release see Green Star Communities.

ENERGY ON TARGET

Energy efficiency projects undertaken since 2007 have focused on reducing demand from HVAC and lighting in the highest energy use buildings on Parkville campus. To mid 2010, the savings achieved are estimated at 25,000 tonnes per year.

Our carbon footprint has been further reduced through the purchase of green power and external abatements, with a total of 50,000 tonnes of carbon offset. The University now purchases more than 20% of its electricity as Green Power, and 10% is offset through abatements.

Collectively, the benefits of energy efficiency, green power and abatements have enabled us to reduce our emissions by gross floor area by 42% from 212 to 124kg CO2/m2 GFA, which is equivalent to 90,000 tonnes saved from 2007 to end 2009.

OPEN DAY 2010

Open Day provided an opportunity for Property & Campus Services to talk to prospective students and the public about achievements to date that reduce the University’s impact on the environment and positive initiatives undertaken to promote Sustainability. Energy efficiency light globes and information about Sustainability, Security and Parking were handed out to an estimated 500 visitors.

MELBOURNE BUSINESS PRACTICUM – WORKPLACE SUSTAINABILITY

A Melbourne Business Practicum was conducted at ‘The Spot’ on Behavioural Sustainable Practices in the Workplace by four Masters Students from the Graduate School of Business and Economics. The results and process of the practicum can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec2nI3pPT7U

NATIONAL TREE DAY

Adam Gilbert from Information Technology Services took a shovel to help celebrate National Tree Day at the University of Melbourne on Monday 2nd August.

With Sustainability objectives in mind, the Grounds Section of Property & Campus Services is taking the following actions:

Opportunities to capture and reuse rain and stormwater for all campus landscapes are continuing to be found. Priority is being given to using harvested water before mains water wherever possible.
Functioning water features are maintained with harvested water only;
Lawn areas are progressively being changed over to drought-tolerant Kikuyu grass and only irrigated with harvested water where practicable;
The first priority in most instances for plant species choice is general hardiness and low water demand;
Mulches are used extensively to conserve soil moisture and reduce the need for supplementary irrigation;
Maintenance of existing trees and new planting on all campuses contributes to moderating the effects of extremes of weather, reducing the energy demands of building use, improving air quality and providing a positive effect on the well-being of the University community; and
Extensive use of local indigenous and other appropriate Australian plant species is given preference, particularly on campuses such as Veterinary Science at Werribee and University sites in sensitive ecological areas such as the Macgeorge (Artist-In-Residence) property at the confluence of the Darebin Creek and the Yarra River in Ivanhoe. This approach contributes to local biodiversity and habitat for plant and animal species.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO BE SUSTAINABLE IN YOUR LOCAL AREA?

Scholarly Information, by Olga Andrusiak

How a sheet of paper can be used 3 times

We all know that you should print double sided at all times.

If you print single sided, use the other side as scrap paper for messages, reminders, etc. To make your scrap paper easier to deal with, the Print & Design Centre will turn your scrap paper into a functional writing pad, for details see Recycled Notepads.

When you have used both sides of your paper, you can shred it and place it in a bag labelled ‘Shredded Paper’. Please contact your Building Supervisor, who will deliver to the appropriate location for reuse within the University.

If your Faculty / Department is being sustainable then please let us know about it. Send us your news, ideas, reports, announcements, etc, to sustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au

STUDENTS CORNER

STUDENTS OF SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE

Student Union Environment Officers, Dan Musil and Evelyn Daniel, along with 6 members of the Environment Collective, recently attended the Students of Sustainability (SoS) conference at Flinders University. Workshops and discussions included Water and Earth Conservation, Cultural and Social Sustainability, Activism, Food and Energy. For further information please see http://studentsofsustainability.org/

LEADERSHIP AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PROGRAM (LEAP)

The Student Union Environment Department in conjunction with The Foundation for Young Australians and The Australian Student Environment Network is currently organising the Leadership and Environmental Action Program (LEAP). LEAP is a four day environmental leadership and education program for high school students held in Melbourne from the 20th September-23rd September. The conference involves guest speakers, workshops, excursions and project planning.

Participants at LEAP gain knowledge about environmental issues, contacts and networks in the environmental field, career advice and mentoring, and support for their own environmental projects. For more information http://leap.wikidot.com/

STUDENT UNION ENVIRONMENT COLLECTIVE

The Student Union Environment Collective is working on a number of projects within the University:

· Monthly ‘Ride to Uni’ lunches

· Monthly Clothes Swap outside the Environment Office in Union House

· Book co-op and exchange

· Veggie patch and worm farm in the Systems Garden

· Wash against waste program-operating in Union House

For more information see http://union.unimelb.edu.au/environment

SUSTAINABILITY FACTS AND TIPS

Fact – In 2009, The University of Melbourne diverted 41% of total waste to recycling, a recycling rate well above that of comparable universities and well on track to meet the 2015 target of 45%.

Tip – Recycling on campus is now easier with the University in the process of installing new colour-coded “waste stations” to help students and staff easily identify which bin their waste goes in: mixed recyclables (yellow), waste to landfill (red).

BEYOND THE CAMPUS

THE 10th International conference OF AUSTRALasian CAMPUSES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY (ACTS iNC)

The theme for the 10th International Conference of ACTS is “Connecting Curriculum and Campus”, to be held from September 29th – October 1st, 2010. The conference is supported by the University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Victoria University, Monash University, Swinburne University Australian Catholic University. The University of Melbourne will be hosting the Conference on Thursday 30th September 2010.

Registrations for the conference are now open, for details please see http://acts.asn.au/conferences/2010-conference

STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES

UPDATE OF STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES LIST

Please keep your department’s representatives’ information up to date by emailing changes to sustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au. Our current list is reflected at http://sustainablecampus.unimelb.edu.au/involvement/sea/#forum

STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES FORUM MEETINGS FOR 2010

Staff Environment Advocates (SEA) is a forum for the communication of environmental issues, and for Advocates to raise environmental issues. Interested staff are also welcome to attend. All meetings will be held on a Tuesday from 10.00am – 11.00am.

September Tuesday 14th Water Management – Old Physics-Rm:G16-Flr:G, Jim Potter Room.

December Tuesday 7th End of Year Wrap Up and Plans for 2011 – Sanderson Room, Medical Centre, Building 181, Level 2 Room W206.

*Note: These meetings may be video conferenced by prior arrangement.

National Tree Day is Australia’s largest community tree-planting event. In its 15-year history more than 2 million volunteers have planted over 13 million native trees and shrubs. Australian film and television actor and National Tree Day Ambassador, Jack Thompson, is urging all Australians to join Planet Ark’s tree-planting revolution.

National Tree Day is on Sunday 1 August 2010, but the University of Melbourne will be celebrating National Tree Day on Monday 2^nd August by planting trees at the Gatehouse, Gate 10 (Parkville). You can join Andrew Gay and his team from 1.00pm – 2.00pm, for more information you can contact Andrew on 8344 6000 or andrewrg@unimelb.edu.au

For further information on what you can do in your local community please see: http://treeday.planetark.org/

CHRISTMAS IN JULY MORNING TEA

Functions at Melbourne and Property and Campus Services (P&CS) would like to sincerely thank all those who were able to join us for our Christmas in July morning tea on Monday 19 July.

For those that couldn’t make it, you missed the delicious house made festive treats and fresh organic, fair-trade and rain-forest alliance coffee from Organico Prima.
Guests were addressed by Chris White on the progress of current projects from P&CS and David Ryan from Carbon Association Australasia Limited, shed some light on the buzz words being bantered around in the Sustainability arena at the moment.

Functions at Melbourne is the University’s on campus caterer, providing food, beverage and hospitality staff for morning teas, working lunches, seminars, conferences, cocktail parties and more! Who work closely with P&CS to do their bit for ‘achieving a sustainable campus’. As a sustainable caterer, Functions at Melbourne make it easy for you to also do your bit towards ‘achieving a sustainable campus’. For further information please see www.functionsatmelbourne.com.au or call on extension 46978 or email functions@union.unimelb.edu.au

INCREASE IN RECYCLING RATES FROM UNIVERSITY GROUNDS

The University of Melbourne has increased its recycling rate from Grounds by an average of 66% (please see graph below). The increase in the recycling rate can be attributed to our new twin bins out on our campus grounds. There were still bins being installed in January and February of 2010 hence the lower rates for those two months. Completion of the installation of the bins took place in March 2010.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO BE SUSTAINABLE IN YOUR LOCAL AREA?

The Advancement Office, by Katherine Loftus

How is the University taking a more sustainable approach to what it does?

For more than four decades, University of Melbourne staff, students and alumni have come together to share their ideas and experiences in the Melbourne University Magazine (MUM). The magazine represents a fusion of the ephemeral and perennial elements of life inside and outside of the University, helping us to understand our history as members of this community.

The Advancement Office believes MUM must also contribute to the innovative spirit of the University community, which is why we launched an online version of the magazine in 2009. MUM Online was not, however, designed to replace the printed MUM. It was created to enrich and extend the content of the magazine beyond the confines of ink and paper, via the integration of other multimedia elements.

We also believe in supporting sustainable production and distribution methods from start to end. This includes using suppliers that:

-          Maintain Australian ownership, operations and environmental standards;

-          Use vegetable-based inks extremely low in volatile organic compounds;

-          Source paper from sustainable, environmentally ethical suppliers who use recycled content, renewable energy and products manufactured to be carbon neutral;

-          Use recycled aluminium printing plates; and

-          Use plastics treated with totally degradable plastic additives, which cause the plastic to biodegrade when exposed to light, heat and/or mechanical stress.

At a local level, we devise conservative print-runs informed by a mailing list that is regularly maintained and kept current. Recipients who have registered an email address with us are directed to the online version of the magazine in the first instance and any returned copies are re-distributed to alumni who have specifically requested a hard copy.

We understand that a printed magazine is a luxury. That’s why we are committed to following these sustainable practices for as long as we continue to produce MUM.

If  your Faculty / Department is being sustainable then please let us know about it. Send us your news, ideas, reports, announcements, etc, tosustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au

STUDENTS CORNER

THE NETWORK OF MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY BASED ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE-FOCUSED GROUPS.

At the last meeting of the network, a permanent web-space (a Wiki-dot page) where Melbourne Uni groups can share and update information and event details with each other was set up. The website will soon be available to view Sustainability events.

SUSTAINABILITY FACTS AND TIPS

Fact – In 2008, the amount of packaging estimated to have been disposed to landfill was 1,876,000 tonnes. Source: The National Packaging Covenant, 2008 Annual Report.

Tip – Aim for less packaging when ordering catering. Packaging can be important to prevent waste caused by food spoiling, but try to avoid products that have excessive or unnecessary packaging. Use non-disposable cutlery, cups, plates and platters where appropriate. For more tips check the Sustainable Caterer Checklist.

BEYOND THE CAMPUS

THE 10^th International conference OF AUSTRALasian CAMPUSES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY (ACTS iNC)

The theme for the 10th International Conference of ACTS is “Connecting Curriculum and Campus”, to be held from September 29 – October 1 2010. The conference is supported by the University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Victoria University, Monash University, Swinburne University Australian Catholic University. The University of Melbourne will be hosting the Conference on Thursday 30^th September 2010.

Registrations for the conference are now open, for details please see http://acts.asn.au/conferences/2010-conference

THE Zero Carbon Australia Stationary energy plan (ZCA plan)

The Zero Carbon Australia Stationary Energy Plan is a research collaboration between Beyond Zero Emissions and the University of Melbourne. It is available for purchase from the Melbourne University Bookshop or can be ordered online via www.energy.unimelb.edu.au and the PDF version is available for free download.

STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES

UPDATE OF STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES LIST

Please keep your department’s representatives’ information up to date by emailing changes to sustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au. Our current list is reflected at http://sustainablecampus.unimelb.edu.au/involvement/sea/#forum

STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES FORUM MEETINGS FOR 2010

Staff Environment Advocates (SEA) is a forum for the communication of environmental issues, and for Advocates to raise environmental issues. Interested staff are also welcome to attend. All meetings will be held on a Tuesday from 10.00am – 11.00am in the Sanderson Room, Medical Centre, Building 181, Level 2 Room W206

September        Tuesday 14th    Water Management

December         Tuesday 7th      End of Year Wrap Up and Plans for 2011

*Note: These meetings may be video conferenced by prior arrangement.

MELBOURNE BIKE SHARE

Melbourne Bike Share was launched at the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus on May 31st 2010. Two of the ten stations launched on the day are located on our Parkville campus:

· North Court, opposite the Beaurepaire centre

· Monash Rd, at Gate 4 off Swanston Street

Over subsequent months, additional stations will be located in the following locations near University of Melbourne campuses: University Square, Grattan St, Lincoln Square, Swanston St, in front of VCAM, St Kilda Rd.

further details

ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION QUARTERLY REPORTS

Electricity Consumption Quarterly Reports by Building are now available.
These figures will assist Faculties, Divisions and Departments to understand their contribution to the University’s overall carbon footprint, and track the impact that each area’s efforts are making towards reducing our energy consumption.

Note: Please disregard the June figures for 2010 due to incomplete data.

GROUP OF EIGHT (Go8) MEETING

The Go8 Environmental Managers met at the Australian National University (ANU) on 17 & 18 June to discuss carbon reduction targets for each University, overall Sustainability Strategies and reporting requirements from each of the Universities.

At the end of the two day meeting it was decided that the Go8 would collectively write a position statement on Sustainability.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

Property and Campus Services and the Office for Environmental Programs jointly hosted a lunch on the 4 June to celebrate World Environment Day (WED).

Reflecting the theme for 2010’s WED, ‘Biodiversity – Ecosystems Management and the Green Economy,’ Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis and Mr. Chris White (Executive Director, Property and Campus Services) spoke about the University’s commitment to a sustainable future.

further details

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO BE SUSTAINABLE IN YOUR LOCAL AREA?

Monitoring Power at Mathematics and Statistics by Christina Burt

Our May campaign was to measure electrical devices used in our department and this yielded unexpected results! We found that most computers and monitors use the same amount of energy when shut down but left on at the power point as they do when left in standby mode!! Our recommendation was therefore to switch off at the power point where practical. We also noted that printers and hand-driers consumed the most energy when in use, and recommended 2 page per side duplex printing where practical, and limited use of hand-driers when an alternative option is available.

further information about our campaigns

Sustainable Catering used by Architecture by Sarah Zappia

Original Foods

Local and organic catering. Original Foods can provide biodegradable packaging, platters and napkins.

Seven Stars Catering (CERES)

Local and organic. A social enterprise that provides training and build opportunities for marginal communities.

Asylum Seekers Resource Centre Catering

Vegetarian, organic wherever possible. Provides aid, employment and support for asylum seekers

The carbon offset beer we used was Cascade Green and the wine was from Banrock Station (not organic, but supports environmental programs).

If your Faculty / Department is being sustainable please let us know about it. Send us your news, ideas, reports, announcements, etc, to sustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au

STUDENTS CORNER

STUDENTS OF SUSTAINABILITY (SoS2010)

SoS 2010 will be held on Kaurna country (Adelaide) from the 4th to the 8th of July, at Flinders University. Dan Musil and Evelyn Daniel (Environment Officers from the University of Melbourne Student Union) will be attending and expect about twenty students from the Environment Collective to also attend.

further information

SUSTAINABILITY FACTS AND TIPS

Fact – Heating and cooling currently forms up to 50% of the energy usage in many Melbourne University buildings. The use of portable electric heaters may interfere with the thermostats and control systems for the building heating system. This often results in the installed building heating system competing with the portable heaters, resulting in cooling of entire rooms or floors overwhelming the effect of the portable heaters and increasing energy consumption.

Tip – Before purchasing portable electric heaters, please contact Asset Services on 46000 and read the Thermal Comfort Bulletin

BEYOND THE CAMPUS

TOURS OF THE 60L GREEN BUILDING

For the past eight years, the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has operated regular building tours of the world-leading 60L Green Building located at 60 Leicester, Street, Carlton. This innovative, pre-Green Star, building continues to act as a central example of what can be achieved in the interest of achieving a more sustainable environmental for all.

Tour dates for the second half of 2010 are:

Monday, July 12
Tuesday August 10
Wednesday September 8
Thursday October 14
Friday November 12
Monday December 14

All tours leave at 4pm and leave from Reception at ACF, 60 Leicester, Street, Carlton. Places are limited, so get in quick!

Please RSVP to Maelor Himbury via M.Himbury@acfonline.org.au

THE FUTURE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN AUSTRALIA – free public lecture

When Wednesday 14th July, 6pm – 8pm

Where Basement Theatre, The Spot, 198 Berkeley Street, University of Melbourne

Exciting new report, Zero Carbon Australia Stationary Energy Plan – to be launched at this seminar – argues that it is technically possible to reach 100 per cent renewable energy for Australia within a decade, and that the technology to achieve the transition is already commercially available. This event brings together key voices in the renewable energy debate to explore the state of the industry, survey the critical decade ahead, and discuss the challenges facing a zero carbon roadmap.

Speakers: John Daley (CEO Grattan Institute), Keith Lovegrove (Solar Thermal Group Leader, ANU), Lane Crockett (General Manager, Pacific Hydro), Matthew Wright (Director Beyond Zero Emissions)

STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES

MINUTES

Please see link to Minutes of the Staff Environment Advocates Forum held on Tuesday 22nd June 2010 from 10.00am – 11.00am in the Alan Gilbert Building, Level 9,161 Barry Street.

UPDATE OF STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES LIST

Please keep your department’s representatives’ information up to date by emailing changes to sustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au.

current advocates list

STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES FORUM MEETINGS FOR 2010

Staff Environment Advocates (SEA) is a forum for the communication of environmental issues, and for Advocates to raise environmental issues. Interested staff are also welcome to attend. All meetings will be held on a Tuesday from 10.00am – 11.00am in the Sanderson Room, Medical Centre, Building 181, Level 2 Room W206

September Tuesday 14th Water Management

December Tuesday 7th End of Year Wrap Up and Plans for 2011

*Note: These meetings may be video conferenced by prior arrangement.

_________________________________________________
Danielle Rostan-Herbert
Sustainability Manager, Engagement
Property & Campus Services I Sustainability Unit
625-631 Swanston Street, The University of Melbourne VIC 3010

T +61 3 8344 9275 F +61 3 8344 3057 E dmrostan@unimelb.edu.au
W sustainablecampus.unimelb.edu.au/

Note: Office days are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

P Please consider the environment before printing this email note.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY – Friday 4th June 2010

Time : 12 – 2.00pm

Location : ICT Building, Theatre 1, 111 Barry Street

Speakers : Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glyn Davis, Dr Paul Sinclair (Australian Conservation Foundation), Chris White (Executive Director, Property & Campus Services), and Dr. Simon Batterbury (Director, Office for Environmental Programs).

RSVP : query-environment@unimelb.edu.au by 3rd June 2010.

Free Lunch and Door Prize

World Environment Day is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The theme for 2010 is “Biodiversity — Ecosystems Management and the Green Economy,”

SUSTAINABILITY FORUM

The inaugural meeting of the Sustainability Forum took place on May 12th, co-chaired by Professor Tom Kvan, Assistant VC (Campus Development) and Chris White Executive Director, Property & Campus Services with representatives from many of the University’s budget divisions, Institutes and student groups. This Forum will act as an advisory group to the Vice-Chancellor and report annually to Council on University achievements in Sustainability.

The group agreed on a strategy to form five working groups around the areas through which Sustainability can be progressed: Research, Curriculum, Campus Operations, Campus as a Laboratory and Student & Staff Capacity Building.

As the University has an aspiration to be carbon neutral by 2030, the formation of the Sustainability Forum demonstrates the high level support that exists for innovative and collaborative solutions that move us towards this goal.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO BE SUSTAINABLE IN YOUR LOCAL AREA?

Celebrations at the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, by Sarah Zappia

To coincide with the University’s Sustainability Week back in March, the Architecture Faculty held a Green themed staff drinks. We arranged for socially responsible, local and mostly organic catering through Asylum Seekers Resource Centre Catering and chose Cascade Green carbon offset beer. We had wine from Banrock Station which is an Australian company that donates a percentage of each sale to global conservation projects. Waste was minimised by using existing crockery rather than disposable, with recycling and composting wherever possible.

The evening was a great success and proved that it is easy to support companies like these and it demonstrated that small changes that can make a big difference.

If your Faculty / Department is being sustainable please let us know about it. Send us your news, ideas, reports, announcements, etc, to sustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au

STUDENTS CORNER

THE NETWORK OF MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY BASED ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE-FOCUSED GROUPS.

Dan Musil and Evelyn Daniel (Environment Officers from the University of Melbourne Student Union) hosted a ‘network’ of Melbourne University based environmental justice-focused groups. These groups included: the University of Melbourne Student Union Environment Department & Collective, the Melbourne University Climate Action Working Group (CAWG), the Post-Graduate Environment Network (PEN), Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) Melbourne University Group, Law Students Society Environment Society Environment Officers, Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute (MSSI), Melbourne University Student Union Facilities Manager, University of Melbourne Property and Campus Services, Sustainability Unit.

The meeting held on the 12th May was a fantastic first step towards greater communication and collaboration amongst groups with overlapping goals and values at the University of Melbourne. For further information please contact: Evelyn and Dan (UMSU Environment Officers) at environment@union.unimelb.edu.au

SUSTAINABILITY FACTS AND TIPS

Fact – Turn off your computer. Of the $250 billion spent per year on powering computers worldwide, only about 15% of that power is spent computing, the rest is wasted idling. Source: Green it Forward www.green-it-forward.com

Tip – Turn your monitor and computer off when away from your desk for over 45 minutes and at the end of every day

BEYOND THE CAMPUS

Help Landcare Australia plant more trees by recycling youR old mobiles with MobileMuster for World Environment Day (5th June)

Old mobile phones can be deposited in the Mobile Muster clear plastic receptacle, located in the Student Union Building next to the lifts or they can be sent via internal mail marked to the attention of: Mobile Phone Recycling Program, 625-631 Swanston Street. Please ensure internal envelopes weigh no more than 2kg.

MobileMuster accepts all mobile phone components for recycling including handsets, batteries, chargers and accessories.  All components will be recycled into new products using the best available recycling practices none will be refurbished and sold for profit.

To find out more details about what happens to your phones, go to www.mobilemuster.com.au

STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES

UPDATE OF STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES LIST

Please keep your department’s representatives’ information up to date by emailing changes to sustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au. Our current list is reflected at http://sustainablecampus.unimelb.edu.au/involvement/sea/#forum

STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES FORUM MEETINGS FOR 2010

Staff Environment Advocates (SEA) is a forum for the communication of environmental issues, and for Advocates to raise environmental issues. Interested staff are also welcome to attend. All meetings will be held on a Tuesday from 10.00am – 11.00am in the Sanderson Room, Medical Centre, Building 181, Level 2 Room W206

June                 Tuesday 22nd   Our Carbon Footprint – Please note room change for this meeting, it will be held in the Alan Gilbert Building, Level 2

September        Tuesday 14th    Water Management

December         Tuesday 7th      End of Year Wrap Up and Plans for 2011

*Note: These meetings may be video conferenced by prior arrangement.

Australian Government Sustainability Site

We encourage everyone to continue supporting Earth Hour, Every Hour by switching off all non essential equipment when not in use, including lights and computers.

EARTH HOUR 2010 RESULTS

Congratulations to the staff in the Baldwin Spencer Building, the overall winner for Earth Hour, which took place on Saturday 27^th March 2010. Each staff member in the building will receive a free energy efficient light globe to take home with them.

Congratulations are due to all our staff and students who participated in Earth Hour 2010. Electricity consumption on the Earth Hour weekend dropped by 5.51% compared with a 2010 ‘business as usual’ weekend. In particular, we note that the new ‘business as usual’ for a weekend is 8% lower in 2010 compared to a ‘business as usual’ weekend in 2009, this is equivalent to 417MWh compared to 454MWh, meaning we are saving on average 37MWH (or 45 tonnes CO₂) each and every weekend in 2010! Please see graph below.

In 2009 Earth Hour achieved a 11% saving over the 2009 ‘business as usual’ saving but the sustained savings achieved over each weekend means that Earth Hour 2010 resulted in greater savings compared to Earth Hour 2009 by 2.5%. The additional 10MWh saved is the equivalent of 12 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

We encourage everyone to continue supporting Earth Hour, Every Hour by switching off all non essential equipment when not in use, including lights and computers.

MOVING TOWARDS A BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY CAMPUS at Parkville

As part of creating a Sustainable Campus the University plans to remove all ground level parking on the main campus to create a bicycle and pedestrian friendly campus.

In addition, secure bike parking and end of trip facilities, showers and changing rooms and lockers will be made available. There are plans in place for the University to participate in the Melbourne Bike Share Scheme, and this will involve a number of bike stations being located on the University’s Parkville campus.

The University of Melbourne in conjunction with Melbourne University Sport and Student Union is working toward re-establishing the University Melbourne Bicycle Users Group (UoM BUG). We would appreciate your time in filling out the survey to help us understand the needs of our bicycle users. The survey should only take one minute.

Please go to http://www.sports.unimelb.edu.au/BUG/index.html

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND CAMPUS

TRINITY PLANTIGREEN LAUNCH

On 17 March 2010 Trinity College launched its ‘planitgreen’ sustainability initiatives on the Bulpadock. Warden Andrew McGowan outlined the aims of planitgreen and the College community and its environmental partners shared, played and enjoyed the village fair atmosphere.

To watch the video of the event please see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSAcybBR87s

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO BE SUSTAINABLE IN YOUR LOCAL AREA?

There are some great initiatives happening at local areas and it would be valuable to share these so other Faculty / Departments can learn and do the same.

If your Faculty / Department is being sustainable please let us know about it; send us your news, ideas, reports, announcements etc to sustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au

FOR STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES

MINUTES

Please find attached Minutes of the Staff Environment Advocates forum held on Tuesday 16 February, 2010, in the Sanderson Room, Medical Centre, Building 181, Level 2 Room W206

STAFF ENVIRONMENT ADVOCATES FORUM MEETING FOR 2010
Staff Environment Advocates (SEA) is a forum for the communication of environmental issues, and for Advocates to raise environmental issues. Interested staff are also welcome to attend. All meetings will be held on a Tuesday from 10.00am – 11.00am in the Sanderson Room, Medical Centre, Building 181, Level 2 Room W206

June                 Tuesday 22nd   Our Carbon Footprint

September        Tuesday 14th    Water Management

December         Tuesday 7th      End of Year Wrap Up and Plans for 2011

*Note: These meetings may be video conferenced by prior arrangement.