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Sustainability – Governing Policy
Responsible officer: Vice-Chancellor and President
Designated officer: Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Approving authority: Council
Approval: C09/69, 13 October 2009
Last Amended: N/A
Effective Starting Date: 14 October 2009
Any policies replaced by this policy: Environment Policy
Policy number: G20.
Related Policies:
Due date for next review: 13 October 2014
Part A: Preliminary
1. Overview
This policy provides a framework for sustainable and responsible practices, activities and operations at the University of the Sunshine Coast. It has been developed around three key areas:
- environmental management
- economic sustainability, and
- social wellbeing.
The University’s commitment to environmental sustainability has been evident since its inception and the University will continue to enhance its reputation as a leader in the areas of campus planning and development, sub-tropical architecture and conservation of natural resources.
This policy, however, recognises that the University and its graduates exist within a global community and aspires to become a leader in sustainable practices which encompass the management and administration of the University, its funding allocations, its teaching syllabus, its research priorities as well as its care of environment of which it forms a part.
The University will, therefore, provide leadership in the pursuit of sustainability through its core activities of research, teaching and engagement.
2. Scope
The policy applies to staff, students and visitors to the University as well as to activities conducted on University premises under the auspices of the University.
3. Definitions
Sustainability is the enhancement of communities into an indefinite future whilst minimising the impact on the intrinsic value of natural systems.
4. Policy principles
The following principles underpin the University’s sustainability policy:
- incorporating sustainability principles into University activities and decision-making at all levels
- creating and promoting a sustainable and responsible culture across the University’s community
- utilising the University’s education, knowledge and research in sustainability to guide and support the regional community to respond to sustainability challenges
- producing graduates who are able to contribute to a knowledge economy and sustainable futures
Part B: Policy
5. In addressing these principles the University, under the three main areas outlined above will:
5.1 Environmental management
- be recognised as a university which is an exemplar of best environmental management practice with respect to its campus in its influence on the local and regional community
- minimise pollution
- enter into partnerships or collaborations to maximise the environmental benefits to the region
5.2 Economic sustainability
- be the major catalyst for the advancement of a sustainable economy for the region with a particular emphasis on a knowledge based community through:
- developing the curriculum to include courses, programs and research projects with a sustainability content
- transferring knowledge to the region to influence sustainable policy and business development
- encouraging research and consultancy activities which seek solutions to improve the sustainability of the global environment
5.3 Social wellbeing
- become a regional social asset by:
- being recognised as a leader in creating a sustainable and cohesive university community
- enabling graduates to acquire the skills and knowledge to contribute to a culture of sustainability in the regional community
- facilitating positive change to the culture of the region through research and community engagement
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