Annual Report 2006 - TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute

Organisational PerformanceQuality CertificationAfter undergoing a series of external audits in 2006, NSIwas successful in maintaining quality certification for ISO9001, ISO 14001 and AQTF.NSI achieved ISO 1400:2004 re-certification of itsEnvironmental Management System.The Institute once again showed that it has maintained therequirements of ISO 9001:2000 and, as a result of the AQTFaudit, our re-registration as an RTO has been extended until2009.Environmental AchievementsThe Northern Sydney Institute has successfully maintainedcertification against the ISO14001:2004 internationalenvironmental management standard. The Institute’senvironmental management system provides a consistentapproach to conservation and management of water,energy, materials and waste, air and noise, and land andbiodiversity, across the Institute.In 2006 the Institute initiated rainwater harvesting, energyconservation, waste management and recycling projects.A major water-management project was implemented atRyde College, which allows for water-quality monitoringand improving catchment management on the 10-hectaresite, and it extends these skills and knowledge to students.Northern Sydney Institute participated in the ‘NSW DroughtInitiatives Pilot Program – Business DIY’ initiative, whichenabled some NSI colleges to be audited for water-savingspotential and resulted in the installation of flow-regulatingand restricting devices in amenities fittings.To harvest rainwater for amenities use, Bradfield SeniorCollege installed three water tanks with a combined capacityof 12,000 litres.In 2006, the Northern Sydney Institute recorded an averagedaily water consumption of 334KL as a result of theseinitiatives. This water consumption is down 150KL per dayfrom before NSI joined the Sydney Water Every Drop CountsProgram in 2003.The Institute has implemented schemes for saving energy.Some energy-saving measures have included replacingfluorescent lights with energy-efficient tubes.An emphasis has been placed on raising awareness andtraining in environmental issues. Environmental awarenessand initiatives have been included in staff-induction andstudent-orientation programs.NSI conducted training that focused on improved paperand cardboard recycling for college staff, and it installed 12recycle stations at various points across the colleges.The Institute purchased a Toyota Prius vehicle, which uses acombination of petrol and electricity for power, as a resourcefor training on hybrid-vehicle technology.Resource DevelopmentsThe Institute received substantial funds from bothCommonwealth and State Governments for capitaldevelopments to improve the teaching and learningenvironment in NSI colleges.Capital works projects completedConstruction of Carpentry & Joinery/Portal FrameworkBuilding – Meadowbank College ($664,000). This projectenabled a staged relocation and centralisation of Carpentryand Joinery training, including a portal frame building forfull-scale construction projects.Mechanical Systems Replacement – Ryde ($450,000). Thisproject involved the replacement of a large complex ofcooling towers, which service Building A, a multi-storeybuilding that delivers a broad range of hospitality-trainingprograms.Near completionFilm and Television Upgrade at NSI – North Sydney College($6,403,000): This project involves a full upgrade of Filmand TV facilities and equipment to meet the expandingtraining market for digital technology.Provision of functional facilities for Carpentry and Joinerytraining – Meadowbank College (Stage 2) $341,000. Thisproject completes the staged relocation and centralisationof the college carpentry and joinery training (from the topfloor of Building A) to improve access and application oftraining facilities to meet curriculum requirements andindustry standards.Refurbishment of Children’s Services facilities – Meadowbank($438,000). This proposal involves the improvement ofchild-studies classrooms and the outdoor area used forplay sessions, to ensure compliance with curriculum andindustry standards, including the installation of shading,children’s toilets, nappy-change facilities and new resourcesto support flexible delivery.Construction of an Aboriginal Learning Centre – NorthernBeaches College ($634,000). The Aboriginal Learning Centrewill provide the Institute with a unique and innovative facilityto deliver specialised VET training for the ATSI community.In planningUpgrading and replacement of commercial kitchens (bakingand cookery) – Ryde ($6,200,00). This initiative will involvean upgrade of facilities and the replacement of obsoletemajor-operating plant (for controlling air-conditioning andgeneral service utilities) in Building A, essential for ensuringcompliance with OH&S and building Codes Australiastandards.Annual Report 2006 25