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Environmental Management Plan

Environmental Management Plan

As a world-class teaching and research institution, with considerable expertise in environmental management, UNSW Australia (UNSW) is already a leader in the global transition to a safe and sustainable future. But we also recognise our duty to practice what we preach.

Our campuses must become living laboratories, showcasing the knowledge and research that is advancing this global sustainability transformation.

Environmental sustainability is a guiding principle in UNSW’s Strategy 2025 and it is our commitment to continuously improve our environmental performance across all areas of the University – from the way we construct our buildings, dispose of our waste, make purchasing decisions and utilise our resources to how we measure our performance.

This Environmental Management Plan outlines the University’s sustainability objectives, targets, indicators, strategies and actions to guide environmental planning and management to 2018 and beyond.

Status update on agreed actions in UNSW EMP

Jump to table:
Energy and greenhouse gas emissions management
Water Management
Waste Management
Compliance and pollution prevention
Campus environment, biodiversity and open space
Integration, communication and engagement
Transport

Energy and greenhouse gas emissions management

Objective 1: To achieve continual improvement in energy conservation and GHG emission reduction.
Target 1: To be the lowest in the GO8 for energy use per EFTSL and energy use per m2 GFA
Activity	Status	Program Owner	Details
1.1 Provide enhanced Environmentally Sustainable Design requirements and input to campus major development and refurbishment projects	In progress	Facilities Management – Energy Manager	Environmentally Sustainable Design requirements provided for incorporation into Science and Engineering Building, Electrical Engineering and Biological Sciences new build and refurbishment projects
1.2 Continue to implement the recommendations in the FM Energy and Water Strategy for Kensington Campus (ongoing)	In progress	Facilities Management – Energy Manager
1.3 University-wide implementation of Computer Power Management Software and IT infrastructure efficiencies	In progress	Facilities Management – Energy Manager	Software installed campus wide. Activated in FM, Medicine and Business School. Currently awaiting system data outputs for baseline evaluation
1.4 Evaluate, implement and manage low or zero emission energy generation sources, such as solar thermal, photovoltaic, battery, cogeneration and tri-generation systems.	In progress	Facilities Management – Energy Manager	Applications made to WCE for funding to install solar PV on the Botany street carpark and for solar PV and heat pumps to SEB. Electrical Engineering refurbishment project will include rooftop solar PV and a large capacity electricity storage battery.
1.5 Implementation of Load Shedding Programs to manage load at times of high demand	In progress	Facilities Management – Energy Manager	Load shedding programs installed to the Building Management Systems for Tyree, Lowy, Wallace Wurth, Business School, F10 building, Law, Robert Webster and the Library
1.6 Investigate and analyse campus “baseload” and daily business as usual operations to identify opportunities for reducing daytime, overnight and weekend energy use.	To be started	Facilities Management – Energy Manager	Review of energy data 2Q
1.7 Ongoing energy conservation and awareness. Provide input to FM Facilitate articles and newsletters	In progress	Facilities Management – Energy Manager	2016 energy data for use by academics and students to be published on the FM website by end of February
1.8 Update Greensense Live Energy Project and associated information dissemination	In progress	Facilities Management – Energy Manager	New “poster board” displays developed for PC efficiency. To be released following data output evaluations.
1.9 Provide input to UNSW Sustainability and support their investigation of opportunities for wider implementation of Green Lab Program for energy and water conservation.	In progress	Program Owner – UNSW Sustainability Input from Facilities Management – Energy Manager	Green Lab training module is under review. Wider implementation of program in later in the year.
1.10 Work with Strategic Procurement (Finance) and Health and Safety Unit to incorporate energy efficiency requirements including minimum 4 Star Energy Rating for any new equipment.	Procedure update Complete	Program Owner – UNSW Sustainability Input from Strategic Procurement – Director Strategic Procurement	Energy efficiency requirements included in procurement policy and procedures. Further enforcement opportunities are under consideration.
1.12 Campus wide energy and water conservation awareness campaign for staff and students	In progress	Program Owner – UNSW Sustainability	Campaign plan is under development.
1.13 Update and offer the environmental awareness training to all staff - investigate interactive/online delivery	Complete – ongoing	Input from Facilities Management – Energy Manager	Face to face training is offered to all staff.
1.14 Incorporate environmental awareness in the compulsory Health and Safety New Staff Induction	In progress	UNSW Safety and Sustainability	Health and Safety online induction is under review

Water Management

Objective 2: To achieve continual improvement in water conservation
Target 2: To be the lowest in the GO8 for energy use per EFTSL and energy use per m2 GFA
Activity	Status	Program Owner	Details
2.1 Provide enhanced ESD requirements and input to campus major development and refurbishment projects	In progress	Facilities Management – Energy Manager & Project Manager	ESD requirements provided for incorporation into SEB, Electrical Engineering and D26 new build and refurbishment projects
2.2 Continue to implement recommendations from the	In progress	Facilities Management – Energy Manager
2.3 Energy and Water Strategy for Kensington Campus (ongoing)	To be started	Facilities Management – Energy Manager	Audit of urinal water use planned for 3Q
2.4 Ongoing implementation of leak detection through analysis of water use data	Complete - ongoing	Facilities Management – Energy Manager UNSW Sustainability	Awareness training updated after input from Energy Team. Yearly review of training.
2.5 Update water conservation information in the environmental awareness sessions for staff and continue implementation (ongoing awareness raising campaign)	In progress	UNSW Sustainability Input from Facilities Management – Energy Manager	Green Lab training module is under review. Training module update due 27 Feb 2017. Wider implementation of program later in the year.
2.6 Provide input to UNSW Sustainability and support their investigation of opportunities for wider implementation of Green Lab Program for energy and water conservation	In progress	Program Owner – UNSW Sustainability Input from Facilities Management – Energy Manager	Green Lab training module is under review. Wider implementation of program in later in the year.
2.7 Work with Strategic Procurement (Finance) and Health and Safety Unit to incorporate energy efficiency requirements including minimum 4 Star Water Rating for any new equipment.	Procedure update Complete	Program Owner – UNSW Sustainability Input from Strategic Procurement – Director Strategic Procurement	Water efficiency requirements included in procurement policy and procedures. Further enforcement opportunities are under consideration.
2.8 Campus wide energy and water conservation awareness campaign for staff and students.	In progress	Program Owner – UNSW Sustainability	Campaign plan is under development.
2.9 Update and offer the environmental awareness training to all staff - investigate interactive/online delivery	In progress - ongoing	Input from Facilities Management – Energy Manager	Face to face training is offered to all staff. One session delivered in 2017 Online delivery will be investigated later in the year.
2.10 Incorporate environmental awareness in the compulsory Health and Safety New Staff Induction	In progress	UNSW Safety and Sustainability	Health and Safety online induction is under review

Waste Management

Objective 3: To achieve best practice in waste management by implementing waste minimisation strategies and maximising resource recovery.
Target 3: Increase the turnover in number of items distributed through the furniture reuse program by 5% per annum
Activity	Status	Program Owner	Details
3.1 Enhance the effectiveness of the furniture reuse program through an improved web interface to the database, greater promotion and exploration of other end users such as charities or staff/students.	In progress	Manager, Waste - Facilities Management	Draft proposal to enhance UNSW furniture reuse program is under development, with a tender to be developed later in 2017. Options for a UNSW hosted furniture database are also being investigated.
Target 4: Increase food waste diversion from general waste stream by a total 30% within the duration of this EMP
4.1 Work with food retailers and other major food waste generators (eg college kitchens) to increase source separation for off-site composting		Manager, Waste - Facilities Management	Questionnaire on food waste sent to site food outlets in 2016 to inform improvement initiatives. Food waste stream included within waste tender currently under development.
Target 5: Achieve continuous reduction in solid waste generated at UNSW per EFTSU p.a.
5.1 Develop and implement a Waste Minimisation Strategy by end of 2017	In progress	UNSW Sustainability	Due end of 2017
5.2 Investigate and ensure wider implementation of already in place waste reduction strategies (water refill stations, reusable Keep Cup Program, stationary reuse centre)	In progress- ongoing	UNSW Sustainability
Target 6: Improve quality of general waste by eliminating problem waste streams
6.1 Investigate and ensure wider implementation of batteries recycling program	In progress – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability	10 new battery stations established in 2016. About Over a tonne of batteries recycled in 2016
6.2 Investigate and implement strategies for packaging waste reduction including polystyrene	To be started	UNSW Sustainability
6.3 Investigate and ensure wider implementation of toner cartridge recycling program	In progress – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability	Over 100 recycling stations established with over 3 tonne cartridges recycled in 2016
6.4 Investigate and ensure wider implementation of mobile phone recycling program	In progress – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability	Over 300 phones recycled in 2016
6.5 Investigate and ensure wider implementation of bulbs and globes recycling program	In progress – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability
Target 7: Reduce paper content from general waste by 5% within the duration of this EMP
7.1 Investigate and ensure wider implementation of paper recycling program	In progress – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability	Over 500 paper recycling boxes distributed.
7.2 Investigate and implement innovative paper waste reduction strategies	In progress – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability
7.3 100% printing devices^[1] to have standard duplex and mono settings	Complete	UNSW Sustainability
7.4 Tracking of simplex and duplex page counts to help track savings, lost opportunities, and understand impact to business	Complete – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability	UNSW Green Print Centre provides quarterly /annual reports
Target 8: Integrate environmental criteria into the decision making process of goods and services procurement
8.1 Work with Strategic Procurement (Finance) and Health and Safety Unit to incorporate resource management and minimisation in decision making process	In progress	Program Owner – UNSW Sustainability Input from Strategic Procurement	Working with Strategic procurement to review the “Procurement Guidelines”
8.2 Review and update minimum environmental standards for current and future lease agreement to incorporate waste minimisation strategies	In progress	Program Owner – UNSW Sustainability Input from Facilities Management - Manager, Property Services	Green Lease clause provided to Property Management and included in lease documents. Enforcement and monitoring methodology to be reviewed.
8.3 70% of the paper purchased to be environmentally sustainable	In progress	Program Owner – UNSW Sustainability Input from Strategic Procurement and UNSW Green Print Centre
Target 9: Promote R4 principal: reduce, reuse, recycling and re-buy philosophy among staff and students
9.1 Campus wide resource awareness campaign for staff and students	In progress	UNSW Sustainability	Campaign plan is under development.
9.2 Update and offer the environmental awareness training to all staff - investigate interactive/online delivery	In progress – Ongoing	UNSW Sustainability	Face to face training is offered to all staff. One session delivered in 2017. Online delivery will be investigated later in the year.
9.3 Incorporate environmental awareness in the compulsory Health and Safety New Staff Induction	In progress	UNSW Safety and Sustainability	Basic Environmental compliance information incorporated in general staff and supervisor induction training. Further incorporation opportunities will be investigated later in 2017

[1] Managed Printing Service (MPS) Devices

Compliance and pollution prevention

Objective 4: To achieve full compliance with all environmental legislation and to ensure implementation of pollution prevention strategies.
Target 10: Achieve and maintain full compliance with all environmental legislative and regulatory requirements
Activity	Status	Program Owner	Details
10.1 Ensure on time and compliant annual reporting under National Green House Emissions Reporting Scheme (NGERS) and National Pollutant Inventory (NPI ) reporting	In progress- ongoing	Program Owner – UNSW Sustainability Input from Facilities Management - Energy Manager	NGERs and NPI reports are submitted on time for 2016. Reporting schedule, program and procedures updated.
10.2 UNSW Legislative Register to be reviewed and updated annually for environmental legislation	In progress – ongoing	Program Owner –Legal and compliance office Input from UNSW Sustainability	Register reviewed and updates provided. NPI related NEPM act included in the reviewed version.
10.3 Formalise and promote Emergency, incident and hazard reporting systems and associated compliance responsibilities	Done – ongoing	UNSW Safety and Sustainability	Emergency incident and hazard reporting system and Emergency response system updated to include Environmental emergency and reporting category. System to be reviewed periodically
10.4 Review and continue implementation of the outdoor area Pollution Prevention Program	In progress	Program owner UNSW Safety and Sustainability with input from Security	Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program is in place. Spill stations established with spill kits checked and restocked in November 2016. All security staff trained in managing storm water drain pollution. Last training conducted in January 2017
Target 11: Conduct environmental audit / inspections of identified high risk facilities to ensure and monitor compliance and environment improvement
11.1 Incorporate Environmental into Health and Safety auditing programs by 2018 (such as Self-Audit Tool, Task Force Inspections)	In progress	UNSW Safety and Sustainability	Environmental criteria are incorporated in task force and workplace inspections. SAT tool will be updated later to include Environment.
11.2 Conduct environmental audits of 25% of high risk laboratories on campus within the duration of this Plan	To be started – pending funding approval	UNSW Safety and Sustainability	Further resources are required
11.3 Establish environmental improvement programs for the audited laboratories	To be started	UNSW Safety and Sustainability
11.4Partner with schools and faculties to implement environmental improvement initiatives	In progress	UNSW Safety and Sustainability	Faculty HS plans were reviewed and updated to incorporate Environment targets and programs. Based on workplace inspections further initiatives are further explored and implemented
Target 12: Develop and implement strategy for reducing quantity and toxicity of hazardous chemicals and chemical waste at UNSW
12.1 Work with Health & Safety to explore role of SciQuest ERM as a tool to minimise toxicity and quantity of hazardous chemicals	In progress	UNSW Safety and Sustainability	SciQuest ERM database has details of all chemicals available in labs and stores. Staff and students are encouraged to explore the database before ordering more chemicals. All ordered chemicals are tracked. Further use of system will be explored.
12.2 Review and continue implementation of Green Lab environmental compliance training	In progress – Ongoing	UNSW Sustainability	Module 1 was reviewed. Over 500 staff student enrolled in Green Lab training in 2017. A complete review of the training will be conducted later in the year.
12.3 Continue implementation of the batteries and toner cartridges recycling program	In progress – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability	Over 1 Tonne of batteries and about 4 tonnes of Toner Cartridges were recycled in 2016. New stations are established regularly.
Target 13: Enhance the compliance management of hard waste
13.1 Install CCTV cameras for all skip bins not currently monitored to allow for monitoring of non-compliant disposal	In progress	Manager, Waste – Facilities Management and Manager, Security – Facilities Management	Coverage of D26 loading dock, H20 loading dock and David Philips Grounds enclosure. Coverage of Randwick campus skip bin awaiting installation. Manly Vale skip bin to be costed. This site is low risk as it is secured. No public access.

Campus environment, biodiversity and open space

Objective 5: To continually improve the land under UNSW control by conserving and enhancing biodiversity and to make UNSW campuses more liveable and sustainable
Target 14: Maintain the number of trees on campus
Activity	Status	Program Owner	Details
14.1 Ensure that when any trees are removed during campus development that an equivalent number are replanted somewhere on the same campus	ongoing	Manager, Grounds – Facilities Management	Current numbers: Kensington campus – 1131 Randwick Campus - 119 (Numbers sourced from Tree database)
Target 15: Enhance the biodiversity of bare or degraded areas by replanting with Eastern Suburbs banksia scrub species (250 plants per year)
15.1 Replant bare or degraded areas with Eastern Suburbs banksia scrub species	ongoing	Manager, Grounds – Facilities Management	Supply available from RCC Nursery – Planned planting in Autumn
Target 16: Ensure that at least 70% of all plantings on campus are native species
16.1 Influence major project planting schemes to ensure this target is met.	ongoing	Manager, Grounds – Facilities Management	Bio Sciences Project landscape design showing 88% native plant species by type to be used
16.2 Ensure that all landscaping orders overall adhere to this target.	ongoing	Manager, Grounds – Facilities Management	Bio Sciences Project landscape design showing 88% native plant species by type to be used
Target 17: Create a bushland habitat corridor for fairy wrens
17.1 Intensive planting in several areas across campus to create a link. This program is to be run in conjunction with a wider Randwick City Council program	On hold pending funding approval	Manager, Grounds – Facilities Management
Target 18: Maximise on-site retention of stormwater from Kensington campus via natural infiltration and aquifer recharge
18.1 Increase staff, students and community awareness and knowledge of UNSW bore water usage and stormwater recharge on campus	In progress – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability UNSW Security	Bore water usage report incorporated in HSE level 1 meeting report, in Annual Sustainability report and in Environmental Awareness training for staff. Student training module is under consideration.
18.2 Continue implementation of outdoor area Pollution Prevention Program. Ongoing management of stormwater pits, grates and GPT’s	In progress	UNSW Sustainability UNSW Security	Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program is in place. Spill stations established with spill kits checked and restocked in November 2016. All security staff trained in managing storm water drain pollution. Last training conducted in January 2017
Target 19: Make UNSW campuses bicycle friendly
19.1 Make more cycle pathways.	No started	UNSW Sustainability UNSW Security	To investigated later in the year
19.2 Improve bike facilities including storage, fixing and trip planning information. (Bike Hub etc)	On hold pending funding approval	UNSW Sustainability
Target 20: Continue implementation of Smoke Free UNSW Policy
20.1 Promote and implement (ongoing) of Smoke Free UNSW Policy	In progress – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability UNSW Security	Smoke free policy was reviewed and updated in 2016. Annual smoke free UNSW awareness stall by Sustainability. Security staff is trained to deal with smokers on campus. Smoke free signs at key strategic locations.
20.2 Ongoing communication of the policy with help of UNSW Security and Facilities Management	In progress – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability UNSW Security	Annual smoke free UNSW awareness stall by Sustainability. Security staff is trained to deal with smokers on campus. Smoke free signs at key strategic locations.
Target 21: Gain recognition for UNSW as an environment leader and engage the UNSW community in environmental management
21.1 Increase staff, students and community awareness and knowledge of plantings on campus (ongoing)	In progress	UNSW Sustainability	Information in included in Annual Sustainability report. Further awareness opportunities will be investigated later in the year
21.2 Revive and promote UNSW Green Trail	On hold pending funding approval	UNSW Sustainability

Integration, communication and engagement

Objective 6: To achieve high standards in environmental sustainability by integration, communication, engagement
Target 22: Integrate environmental criteria into the decision making process of goods and services procurement
Activity	Status	Program Owner	Details
22.1 Work with Strategic Procurement (Finance) and Health and Safety Unit to incorporate resource management and minimisation in decision making process	No action to date	Director Strategic Procurement UNSW Sustainability
22.2 Incorporate sustainability principles in staff position descriptions	In progress	Human Resources UNSW Sustainability	UNSW staffs KPT and PD documents are under review. Incorporation of sustainability principles is under consideration.
Target 23: Integrate environmental criteria into UNSW planning and policy system
23.1 Review the Environmental Management System and raise awareness across all campuses	In progress	UNSW Sustainability	EMS system is under review to update procedures and programs.
23.2 Integrate Environment principles into Faculty level planning and policy documents	In progress – ongoing	UNSW Safety and Sustainability Faculty administration	Faculty HS plans were reviewed and updated to incorporate Environment targets and programs. Further integration will be considered on regular reviews.
Target 24: Provide environmental leadership through cutting edge Sustainability reporting
24.1 Develop and communicate Annual UNSW Sustainability Report.	Done – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability	2013, 2014 and 2015 Annual Sustainability Reports are released. 2016 report is in progress.
Target 25: Gain recognition for UNSW as an environment leader and engage the UNSW community in environmental management
25.1 Participate in at least one international Green University ranking programs	Complete – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability	UI Green Metric world ranking.
25.2 Ensure marketing materials and promotional products reinforce the University’s sustainable image	To be started	Marketing Unit UNSW Sustainability
25.3 Showcase and share stories of environmental best practice of UNSW staff and students	In progress - ongoing	UNSW Sustainability and all faculties and schools	Quarterly sustainability newsletter and annual Sustainability report published with environment best practice stories. Social media feeds are also active FB, Tweeter, Instagram etc.
Target 26: To actively engage local, national and international community in addressing sustainability related issues of any scale
26.1 Establishment of UNSW Grand Challenges Institute to engage experts around the globe to discuss global challenges of society	In progress	UNSW Sustainability UNSW Grand Challenges and Wider UNSW community	Grand Challenges unit established.
26.2 Organise international level events to showcase climate change and other sustainability initiatives	In progress	UNSW Sustainability and Wider UNSW community	Sustainability office has partnered with E-Lead group for a leadership summit on Sustainability and other challenges scheduled on 8 July. Further program is under development.

Transport

Objective 7: To minimise the environmental impact of commute to UNSW and transport related carbon emissions.
Target 27: Achieve 3% per annum increase in the proportion of UNSW staff and students travelling to work/study by foot, bicycle and or shared or public transport
Activity	Status	Program Owner	Details
27.1 Develop sustainable transport strategy to reduce car dependence	In progress	UNSW Sustainability	Light rail, bike hub and other initiatives are under implementation. A comprehensive strategy document will be structured later in the year.
27.2 Improve bike facilities including establishment of Bike Hub	On hold pending funding approval	UNSW Sustainability
27.3 Review, improve and promote Car sharing services (Carpooling, GoGet)	In progress	UNSW Sustainability	GoGet car share parking spots were refurbished and car parking permits renewed.
27.4 Establish annual data collection and reporting processes for relevant transport data	To be started	UNSW Sustainability
Target 28: Achieve 100% offset equivalent emissions from the UNSW vehicle fleet within the duration of this EMP
28.1 Develop transport emissions reduction and offsets plan	To be started	UNSW Sustainability
Target 29: Gain recognition for UNSW as an environment leader and engage the UNSW community in environmental management
29.1 Develop and implement communication plan as relevant to Transport	In progress	UNSW Sustainability	Annual sustainability report includes transport section. Further communication opportunities to be investigated.
29.2 Organise and participate in Ride to work/Uni day events	In progress – ongoing	UNSW Sustainability UNSW Arc	Ride to Uni day 2016 was celebrated with riders offered a free breakfast.