ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY


Date approved	23 June 2006	Date Policy will take effect	23 June 2006	Date of Next Review	June 2009
Approved by	University Council
Custodian Title & e-Mail address	Manager, Environmental Services, Buildings and Grounds Division david_low@uow.edu.au
Author	Manager, Environmental Services
Responsible Faculty/ Division & Unit	Buildings and Grounds Division
Supporting documents, procedures & forms of this policy	Environmental Management System Manual
References & Legislation	Nil
Audience	Public – accessible to anyone
Expiry Date of Policy	Not Applicable

1 Purpose of Policy

1. The Environmental Policy formalises the University’s commitment to supporting the principles of environmental sustainability and the need for all staff and students to share a role in achieving the Policy objectives.

Word/Term

Definition

EMS

Environmental Management System

1. The policy will apply to all staff and students of the University of Wollongong.

1. The University’s Vision statement is supported by Shared Principles and Values one of which is the “Protection of Natural Environment”. This Policy directly supports this principle and is the primary reason for its creation. The policy recognises the greatest opportunities to demonstrate a commitment to environmental protection and sustainable practices lie in the minimisation of energy and water use, in the responsible management and minimisation of wastes, and in the harmonious integration of the campus infrastructure and activities with the natural environment.

1. The University aims to ensure that its teaching, research and support activities are aligned with its environmental policy. To facilitate the achievement of these overall objectives, the University will:

a. implement and maintain a structured Environmental Management System based on continual improvement and regular review to ensure that it remains relevant to the University’s operations;
b. comply with environmental regulations and set an example to the community and to other educational institutions in adopting and implementing principles of environmental protection and sustainability;
c. focus particularly on minimisation of energy and water consumption, waste management, including recycling, and endeavour to become a community leader in these areas;
d. foster environmental awareness within all academic and business units with a view to increasing environmental literacy of students and staff;
e. through effective communication with its community provide students and staff with mechanisms and opportunities to propose, discuss and participate in projects leading to improvements in environmental outcomes; and
f. through the integration of buildings with the natural environment, maintain the University’s reputation for providing an outstanding and harmonious campus which facilitates engagement of members of the campus community with the natural environment.

1. The University is committed to supporting the principles of environmental sustainability and applying such principles and practices in the University’s functions. The University believes that all staff and students share a role in achieving the objectives of its environmental policy.
2. The University recognises that its greatest opportunities to demonstrate a commitment to environmental protection and sustainable practices lie in the minimisation of energy and water use, in the responsible management and minimisation of wastes, and in the harmonious integration of the campus infrastructure and activities with the natural environment.
3. The University aims to ensure that its teaching, research and support activities are aligned with its environmental policy. To facilitate the achievement of these overall objectives, the University will:

a. implement and maintain a structured Environmental Management System based on continual improvement and regular review to ensure that it remains relevant to the University’s operations;
b. comply with environmental regulations and set an example to the community and to other educational institutions in adopting and implementing principles of environmental protection and sustainability;
c. focus particularly on minimisation of energy and water consumption, waste management, including recycling, and endeavour to become a community leader in these areas;
d. foster environmental awareness within all academic and business units with a view to increasing environmental literacy of students and staff;
e. through effective communication with its community provide students and staff with mechanisms and opportunities to propose, discuss and participate in projects leading to improvements in environmental outcomes; and
f. through the integration of buildings with the natural environment, maintain the University’s reputation for providing an outstanding and harmonious campus which facilitates engagement of members of the campus community with the natural environment.

1. The policy will be implemented immediately following University Council approval. A supporting Environmental Management System will be developed as a result of the policy and will be the mechanism which defines environmental roles and responsibilities.
2. After approval and upon implementation, the policy and supporting documentation will be added to the University Policy Directory. The Contact Officer will communicate the policy to relevant units through the consultation with key stakeholders and the development of the supporting Environmental Management System. Specific training for key personnel will be developed to aid in understanding the impacts of the policy and associated system and procedures.
3. This policy is to be reviewed by the Contact Officer in consultation with Campus Environmental Management Working Party.

Version Control	Date Released	Approved By	Amendment
1	23 June 2006	University Council	New Policy.
2	6 May 2009	Vice Principal (Administration)	Migrated to UOW Procedure Template as per Policy Directory Refresh

Last reviewed: 25 June, 2009

Click here for information on how to contact the Policy and Governance Unit for advice and assistance on policy issues.