2007 Annual report (PDF 8.1 Mb) - University of Melbourne

Statutory Reporting
1. Environmental Sustainability
The University of Melbourne is committed
to continuing to strive to be a leader in
sustainability both through its role as an
educational institution and as one of the
largest public organisations in Victoria.
University Environmental Policy
Throughout 2007 the University continued
to implement the University Environmental
Policy. The principal environmental
challenges recognised in the policy include,
improved efficiency of resource use,
minimising waste generation and reducing
discharges to the environment from
University activities.
Through the Environmental Health and
Safety Unit and other dedicated staff, the
University has a number of programs in
place for:
1. Moving Towards Carbon Neutrality
2. Sustainable Office/Laboratory
3. Water Conservation
4. Recycling and Waste Management
Ongoing sustainability activities undertaken
during 2007 included:
> recycling programs for office waste,
paper, cardboard, commingle, toner
cartridges and batteries
> hazardous waste collection with recycling
of the hazardous waste, or if necessary,
disposal in accordance with Environment
Protection Authority requirements
> engagement of all faculties and divisions
of the University in achieving the goals
of the Environmental Policy, strategic
objectives and legislative compliance
> establishment of sustainability objectives
and targets for 2007. Objectives and
Achievements are summarised in Table 1
1.Moving towards Carbon Neutrality
The University engaged external
consultants to undertake a comprehensive
Type 3 Energy Audit in accordance with
AS 3598:2000. The audit included 13
faculties containing 70 buildings within
the Parkville Campus. The University has
allocated funding to implement the energy
savings recommendations identified in
the energy audit. Once implemented
these energy savings will equate to an
approximate reduction in CO2 emissions
of 25,735 tonnes per annum, which
represents 20 per cent of the total CO2
emissions for the Parkville Campus.
A report entitled ‘Moving Towards
Carbon Neutrality’ was prepared for and
accepted by University Council. The report
recommended University wide targets for
carbon footprint reductions for 2008 to
2010 and for carbon neutrality by 2030.
These targets are set out in Table 2.
Students gather in the South Lawn square, in front of the remarkable Old Arts Tower.