Sustainability Representative Network Highlights 2011 “ is ecologically sound, socially just and economically viable in all of its activities.” Macquarie University Sustainability Vision

Acknowledgements This booklet was prepared by Macquarie University Sustainability, North Ryde, NSW, Australia.

Information contained in this publication may be copied or reproduced for study, research, information or educational purposes, subject to inclusion of an acknowledgment of the source.

Content by Cindy Cunningham. Edited by Leanne Denby. All photography by Iain Brew. Document design by Belinda Bean.

PDF Version: Available for download from www.mq.edu.au/sustainability. Welcome to the Sustainability Representative Network

Macquarie is committed to becoming 2011 saw the introduction of a grants a leader in embedding sustainability scheme to assist SRN members at a holistic level, as well as a model of implement new sustainability best practice. In order to achieve this, initiatives within their workplace. we believe that staff engagement and Over ten projects were funded and participation is key. The Sustainability each of these initiatives, in their own Representative Network (SRN) has way is assisting to make a positive provided an important platform and difference towards sustainability opportunity to better engage with staff at Macquarie. This booklet from various faculties and administrative highlights these projects and other departments across campus, who are achievements of representatives this passionate and dedicated to making year, and some of the people behind their workplace more sustainable. them.

As volunteer representatives, SRN Thank you to all our volunteers members provide awareness to their for your efforts and commitment colleagues on sustainability issues and towards sustainability. We look implement sustainability practices to forward to further supporting you make a positive difference in their area. and also welcome new members In return for their dedication, members to get involved in this journey to receive support and assistance to build become a sustainable organisation. their skills and knowledge, as well as recognition in annual performance and development reviews. Staff volunteers who demonstrate an outstanding contribution also receive awards as part of our staff recognition program.

In its second year, the network has grown to 60 representatives. The achievements made by the SRN have been significant and all the more so when you consider that members probably only dedicate the equivalent of Leanne Denby about one week per year to the Network. Director of Sustainability Table of Contents

1. About the Sustainability Representative Network 2 2. Meet Some of Our Members 12 3. Workplace Sustainability Achievements 21 4. Sustainability Grants Scheme 30 5. Department Sustainability Challenge 2011 41 6. What you can do - Top 10 Tips for a Sustainable Workplace 43

Appendix 1 Sustainability Representative Network Members 2011

“In only two years the SRN has achieved much due to the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff involved. Together network members are fostering cultural change across the university, enabling us to achieve our goal of becoming a sustainability leader.” Cindy Cunningham, SRN Co-ordinator 1 About the Sustainability Representative Network (SRN)

Staff engagement and participation is key to becoming a sustainable institution. Launched in February 2010, the Sustainability Representative Network (SRN) has grown to over 60 staff from various areas of the University who are dedicated to promoting sustainability in their workplace through raising awareness and facilitating initiatives. Just 2 years into the journey, the achievements made by SRN members have been significant.

SRN members are the first point of contact for their colleagues on sustainability issues and are an important avenue for communication between Macquarie (MQ) Sustainability and staff all across campus. The aim is for every building on campus to have at least one sustainability representative.

With the support of the Vice-Chancellor and the Director of Human Resources, the SRN role is formally recognised. Members receive support from their supervisor for time off to attend quarterly meetings and training throughout the year. The SRN is coordinated by MQ Sustainability through a dedicated staff member who provides information and support to enable representatives to adequately fulfil their role.

Cindy Cunningham SRN Co-ordinator 2 Role

Sustainability Representatives are required to:

• Communicate actions and directions to fellow staff at departmental

meetings

• Assist in the dissemination of information on sustainability

• Communicate suggestions and ideas from departmental staff to MQ

Sustainability

• Assist colleagues with implementing actions to embed sustainability

• Champion sustainability best practice, lead by example and encourage

colleagues to embrace more sustainable practices

• Attend 1 hour induction session

• Attend quarterly meetings with MQ Sustainability and other

Sustainability Representatives

• Participate in the creation of solutions for improved sustainability

performance on campus.

Being a sustainability representative requires the equivalent of about one week

per year in terms of time commitment. The more time members are able to put in, the better the outcome will be in the workplace. For more information please refer to the SRN Terms of Reference found in the SRN page at www.mq.edu.au/ sustainability

3 “I have joined the SRN because I think working in the Accommodation Office presents some great opportunities for sustainability. We do not only have the chance to impact upon the environment with our office but also with many students and all the student apartments”. Clare Wade, Campus Experience Accommodation 4 “The SRN provides me with encouragement and motivation. It is an opportunity to gain knowledge, access resources and share ideas regarding sustainability. It also provides me with ideas to encourage Cochlear to be more sustainable since we are part of the Macquarie University campus.“ Felicity Crombach, Cochlear 5 What are the benefits to being involved?

There are lots of benefits from getting involved as a Sustainability Representative:

• Play a key role in contributing to the University’s

sustainability objectives

• Broaden your understanding of sustainability issues,

initiatives and events

• Recognition of role on performance development and

review and CVs

• Enhance skills in communication, leadership, teamwork

and facilitation

• Access recognised training opportunities

• Meet other people in your area and across campus

• Being involved in something different from everyday work.

Plus the added bonus of having delicious organic food provided at each of the quarterly meetings!

6 What support is provided? Knowledge and Capacity Building MQ Sustainability support SRN members through training, resources, advice, event organisation and communications. Quarterly workshops are used as the main communication and training opportunity for those involved. Workshops focus on equipping representatives with knowledge about new initiatives and allow staff to share their experiences, contribute their ideas and motivate one another. This two-way communication is integral in moving forward towards creating a better environment on our campus.

Each year SRN members are invited to submit an Expression of Interest to attend the annual Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS) Conference. ACTS is the primary forum for sustainability in the Australian and New Zealand tertiary sectors. Macquarie Sustainability funds the flights, conference attendance and accommodation for the successful SRN candidate and in 2011 Carlene Kirvan from the Faculty of Arts was given the opportunity.

Sustainability Website

The sustainability website provides staff with a great source of up-to-date information on the many programs and initiatives that the University is undertaking to improve its performance and highlight the journey it is taking to become more sustainable. It is a reference point which identifies ways in which staff can take action to create a best practice sustainable workplace and provides resources to assist with this. The website also promotes various events that staff can get involved in on campus such as bushcare, ‘ride to work’ day and swap parties etc.

7 In 2012 the sustainability website will be relaunched with more information on the initiatives staff are doing across campus to make their workplace more sustainable. See www.mq.edu.au/sustainability Member Support SRN members are supported by a dedicated Coordinator who organises the quarterly meetings, manages the small grants program and provides support and assistance to members in facilitating their workplace initiatives.

Small Grants Program A sustainability grants program was established in 2011 to provide funding to assist SRN members implement new initiatives. A total of $5000 was allocated to the new program, with members able to apply for a grant of up to $500 to undertake a project that would have an ongoing and visible effect.

Grants were awarded for projects which would: “Since there is no specific budget to implement new • Engage staff and raise sustainability sustainability initiatives awareness; it is great to have the • Improve workplace sustainability; opportunity to apply for an SRN grant to support any • Reduce environmental impacts; new initiatives.” • Promote social responsibility and wellbeing. Suzanne Azzi, Faculty of Human Science Newsletter In 2011 a newsletter dedicated to SRN members was introduced to further promote communication between MQ Sustainability and SRN members.

“I would recommend the Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS) conference to anyone, at any level, who is interested in sustainability and sustainable practices in Tertiary Institutions.” Carlene Kirvan, Faculty of Arts Who are the SRN Members?

The SRN has grown in numbers in its second year to 60 volunteer representatives. The following Faculties, administrative units, and University affiliated organisations are represented by staff members:

• Faculty of Arts • Faculty of Business and Economics • Faculty of Human Sciences • Faculty of Science • Dunmore Lang College • Macquarie University Village • • Campus Experience (Accommodation; Administration; Food & Beverage; Operations; Retail; Gumnut Cottage & Banksia Cottage) • Access Macquarie • Centre for Open Education • Human Resources • Learning & Teaching Centre • Informatics • Library • Macquarie University Property • Macquarie International • Marketing • Participation & Community Engagement (PACE) • Vice-Chancellor’s Office • Cochlear

Some areas have more than one Sustainability Representative and are encouraged to work together as a ‘sustainability team’. This has led to the establishment of effective departmental Sustainability Committees which meet regularly to progress initiatives. A full list of 2011 SRN members is provided in Appendix 1.

9 Tell me more about the Quarterly Meetings

Quarterly workshops are used as the principal communication and training tool for the SRN. At the first SRN meeting in February, members were given an opportunity to carry out some ‘sustainability action planning’. SRN members worked in groups to identify and discuss the key sustainability initiatives they planned to implement during the year within their area. They also discussed the resources they required and how they would engage their colleagues in implementing new workplace initiatives. At this meeting the University Librarian also gave a presentation on the sustainability features of the new library.

With staff engagement being an essential part of the SRN role and fundamental to bringing about change towards sustainability in the workplace, a hands on workshop on change management and engagement was provided as the focus of the second workshop. A group exercise on experiencing change was facilitated by Margo Droulers (Manager Organisational and Staff Development at Macquarie University).

The University’s Sustainable Transport Officer delivered a presentation on the Draft Macquarie University Travel Plan at the third quarterly meeting. In light of the Plan’s objectives SRN members worked together in groups to identify ideas/proposals to increase the use of sustainable transport modes amongst staff members. They also ranked their proposals in terms of cost benefit and ease of implementation. Following a review of what was put forward, a total of 25 actions were subsequently incorporated into the Draft Travel Plan, accounting for approximately two thirds of what was suggested.

As part of the last quarterly meeting for the year, the University’s Arboretum Coordinator provided a presentation on the Macquarie University Arboretum, which was launched in 2010 and includes all the trees on campus. This was followed by SRN members participating in a guided walk which covered various areas of the campus, including the bush restoration works along Mars Creek, the teaching gardens which provide a valuable resource for learning and research and the recently established Bush Tucker garden.

101 We need you!

To really be able to make a difference towards sustainability at Macquarie, the active involvement of staff members is essential. One way to achieve this is through enthusiastic and motivated staff willing to support and inspire others, getting involved in the SRN Network. Together we can raise awareness of sustainability with colleagues and engage with them in embedding sustainable behaviours and initiatives. Becoming a representative is an opportunity to receive learning opportunities and participate in making a difference, while having a bit of fun at the same time.

If you care about or are interested in environmental and social issues, you want to be part of a group of committed volunteers and have the willingness to make a difference at Macquarie, please contact us to discuss how you can get involved at sustainability@ mq.edu.au or complete the application form at www.mq.edu.au/sustainability

“Sustainability is a diverse and wide ranging issue, and something we all need to share some responsibility for. It’s being prepared to contribute and make a difference in any way we can to a myriad of local and global issues that affect us all. Our sustainability commitment clearly demonstrates how an organisation can make a difference towards a wide range of issues, and should be supported by us all. I will be using my volunteer leave to do just that!.“

Andy McNeill, Centre for Policing, Intelligence, and Counter Terrorism

11 Meet some of our Members

SRN members occupy a diversity of positions on campus including administration, human resources, executive support, lecturing, childcare, catering and information technology. This enables a variety of perspectives to be represented on workplace sustainability. Due to the nature of their occupations, SRN staff members are positioned differently within faculties and departments, which assists in broadening engagement with sustainability in different areas. The background of some SRN members are featured in the following staff profiles.

12 “To me sustainability is being able to meet social, cultural, economic and environmental needs for now and in the future.” Claire Phelps

13 Claire Phelps Operations Advisor, Human Resources

My background is in Human Resources and I have been working in this area for around 6 years. At Macquarie I am employed by the Human Resources Office as a HR Operations Advisor.

I have always been interested in sustainability; when I was in high school I had a great geography teacher who fostered my interest and helped me become actively involved with sustainability issues. Joining the workforce and seeing the many opportunities to make improvements kicked off my interest in sustainability in the workplace.

In a previous role at the Reserve Bank I had many ideas for sustainability improvements but I felt no one would listen to me due to my junior position and young age. At Macquarie I am encouraged to give feedback and make suggestions and changes. My previous manager at Macquarie placed sustainability in my KPIs which I was happy about and eventually I joined the SRN to replace one of my colleagues as she was unable to continue due to increased work responsibilities. Being a member on the network motivates me and is a great way to meet people and hear what other staff are doing on campus.

Being a ‘paperless’ office is my vision for HR. Our area uses a lot of paper and so reducing paper consumption is something we are working on. We are encouraging people to do things on line rather than fill in paper based forms. We used to print all staff payslips but now we don’t. This has been a positive step forward.

I am inspired by creative people who are passionate about their work. This includes people in the film industry (Woody Allen), radio (Ira Glass – host of This American Life), musicians (Phillip Glass and Patti Smith), and writers (David Foster Wallace).

14 “Sustainability means to me, at the most basic level, a fundamental appreciation for the environment that surrounds us, and an intrinsic desire to protect it, for ourselves and future generations.” Lara Hardy

15 ResearchLara Assistant, Hardy Learning & Teaching, Faculty of Business & Economics

I studied my Honours Law degree at Macquarie with a Bachelor of Arts in Modern History and after leaving the legal sector, I returned to Macquarie in 2009 to work in the Marketing Unit. Since then I have worked as a Department Administrator in both the (former) Department of Business Law and the Law School. I have also recently worked as a Research Assistant in the area of Learning & Teaching, specifically Participation & Community Engagement (PACE) internships.

My interest in sustainability comes first and foremost from having grown up surrounded by bushland for all of my childhood, spending holidays in natural environments and bushwalking (as well as plenty of time spent at the beach). I would like to see more positive appreciation for the environment through community collaboration. I think a lot of the real values and issues about sustainability are becoming lost in the political debates about climate change, and I would like to see more long-term visions and progress given precedence over short-term financial and political obstacles. Connecting with issues at the grassroots level enables people to personally connect with notions of sustainability and develop and enhance environmental visions with other people.

People who inspire me are those who aren’t afraid to put their positive views forward and be proactive to initiate and implement change, especially when it might not be the most popular viewpoint. I am inspired by people such as Natalie Isaacs, the founder of 1 Million Women, as I am motivated by social and environmental change at the grassroots level. I believe that this is where some of the most inspirational change occurs, leading to and being part of larger movements in social responsibility and sustainability. 1 Million Women is one campaign helping people to personalise the issues of climate change, and see that it is not really hard to change basic habits which contribute to reductions in your carbon footprint, and which also give you a sense of wellbeing by virtue of contributing. 16 “My vision is to have a thing still called the natural environment for our children. I believe we have a responsibility for the children of the world and it is up to us as adults to make sure that they still have a natural environment in the future.” Hiranya Anderson 17 PersonalHiranya Assistant Head Anderson of Department, Department of Linguistics

I think sustainability is very important if we are going to have a world that is still beautiful, healthy and wonderful for our children. As Mahatma Ghandi said, if you want change it has to start with you; you have got to be the change. I love nature and the environment and I felt that if I want to see change, then I have got to be available to be involved in sustainability in all its facets.

I have worked at Macquarie University since 1999 in various roles. I am currently the PA to the Head of Department in the Department of Linguistics. I do believe that the culture at Macquarie University is changing and that people are slowly but surely taking a bigger interest in sustainability. I think we can impact people by our attitude and by changing the way people think. I believe it is education that makes people change their behaviour. Many people do not take an interest due to lack of knowledge or they are not even aware that there is an issue at stake. This drives me to make a difference in the workplace and to raise people’s awareness to make a positive difference for sustainability.

My parents have always inspired me and shared their love of nature by taking an active role in the rescue and care of animals. This has led to my involvement in a lot of sustainability related causes in relation to wildlife.

My greatest achievement would be, to be the best mother I can, to inspire my children to be future leaders in their conduct and attitude and to be civic minded in all aspects of life. I have always taught my children to serve others and to try and be a blessing to all they meet.

18 AdministrativePaul Howse Officer, Library

I commenced a PhD at Macquarie University in 2002, focusing on Mortuary Rituals of the Late Roman Republic and Early Empire. Whilst doing my PhD I started working in the library doing administrative work in the business services section. The library has a good ethos and has been very embracing of sustainability. I feel I am the conduit between the university and the library’s efforts which I think are complementary.

I have been somewhat interested in sustainability for a long time. I have always loved nature and used to be a hiker and back packer when I had a bit more free time. What really draws me to sustainability at the moment is my perspective on things.

As an historian I see “being in time” as being important. The fact that someone is temporally displaced from you does not necessarily mean that they are not important. Your actions can impact someone half a world away. They are real people and you are ethically obliged to look after their well being as well as your own. This also relates to the next generation further down the line. I definitely think we have a great responsibility for future generations.

I recently watched the lunar eclipse on television and find astronomical phenomena extremely inspiring. I love the picture of the Earth taken from the Voyager One space vehicle which showed the Earth as a pale blue dot, emphasizing its relative context in the cosmos. Once again, a broader perspective on our existence motivates me.

Outside of work one of my hobbies is tabletop pen-and-paper roleplaying games, a pastime I have pursued for the past 25 years. Roleplaying allows you to assume the roles of characters in many different fictional settings, exploring experiences and alternative perspectives otherwise unreachable. I meet together with my friends and family every week to play different games in different genres and settings. 19 “I would like the community to reach a stage where we produce as much as we consume, whether that is cutting down what we consume or changing methods of consumption to more sustainable solutions.” Paul Howse 20 Workplace Sustainability Achievements

During 2011 much has been achieved by SRN members in implementing initiatives to improve workplace sustainability and foster a sustainability culture amongst staff. The following suite of initiatives demonstrates the leadership of university staff and the range of successful actions which have been put in place to raise staff awareness, improve recycling, reduce energy consumption, support community groups, reuse resources and procure more eco-friendly alternatives.

Gumnut Cottage - Community Men’s Shed Partnership

Gumnut Cottage works closely with the Arrunga Community Men’s Shed in Ermington. The Centre’s equipment and toys are repaired by a group of men who volunteer their time and skills at the Men’s Shed. This helps to prolong the shelf-life of the equipment/ toys. Once every few months, the Director of Gumnut takes wooden toys that require fixing or puzzles with missing pieces/knobs to the Men’s Shed to have them repaired by the helpful group of men. This is a great community partnership which contributes to sustaining the children’s play by having their familiar toys repaired. It also reduces the need to continue to purchase new toys or equipment, saving valuable resources.

Human Resources - Recycle for Sight

SRN members Claire Phelps and Susan Wallace from Human Resources joined forces to introduce an eyeglass recycling initiative in their Department. Unwanted sight and reading glasses are collected and donated to the Lions Club for their ‘Recycle for Sight’ program. The Lions Club have volunteers who clean, sort by prescription strength and package the donated glasses which are distributed to people in need in developing countries where they will have the greatest impact.

Glasses collected by Human Resources 21 Campus Experience (Retail) - S.A.L.T.

Campus Experience’s Seek Justice - Alleviate Hunger - Lift the Burden Today - Transforming Lives (S.A.L.T.) program is a student driven initiative involving retail outlets on campus who donate leftover food items to the Salvation Army. The food is collected by Campus Experience student employees and taken to disadvantaged residents of Ivanhoe Place, in the City of Ryde. This initative is a great example of social, environmental and economic sustainability. Faculty of Human Sciences- E-waste Recycling

In the Human Sciences Faculty of Administration Office, SRN champion Suzane Azzi has encouraged staff members to recycle their e-waste by placing a box in the lunch room for small electronic items such as mobile phones, hard drives, audiotapes, video tapes, computer diskettes etc. The items are collected by Macquarie University Property for recycling. SRN representative, Hiranya Anderson has followed suit and introduced the initiative for staff in the Department of Linguistics and has found it to be a very worthwhile and successful initiative.

22 Faculty of Human Sciences – Fan Switch

In taking out the title of Most Sustainable Faculty for the 2010 Department Sustainability Challenge, the Faculty of Human Sciences were presented a prize of $200 as part of their award, to go towards a Christmas party or sustainability initiative. Department representatives decided that the money be used to purchase fans for the Education and Psychology Departments located in building C3A (Level 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9). Some of the fans will replace very old and inefficient air conditioners.

Suzane Azzi with all her fans

Department of Linguistics – Book Swap

SRN member Hiranya Anderson initiated a Book Swap within her Department lunch room to enable staff to donate and swap books of all kinds. This has provided a sustainable way for colleagues to recycle and update their bookshelf without costing the earth. Other departments are keen to replicate this initiative. 23 Cochlear – Moving Forward

Since the move of the Cochlear headquarters onto campus in August 2010, SRN member Felicity Crombach has made a concerted effort to get ‘sustainability’ on the agenda again. Felicity joined the SRN to gain encouragement, access resources and to share ideas regarding sustainability.

Felicity has endeavoured to reinvigorate Cochlear’s internal sustainability team, called ‘greenFEVER’ and, with the assistance of Claire James, organised a staff morning tea in August to promote carpooling amongst staff. Around 400 manufacturing staff will be moving across to campus from the old premises late in 2012, which presents a timely opportunity to encourage carpooling as a sustainable transport option, given limited parking available for staff. The thriving cycling group led by Sharon McKechnie enjoyed the Ride to Work Day and breakfast at MQ. Sharon has also joined the greenFEVER group, adding further enthusiasm to the team.

Cochlear staff enjoying Ride to Work Day

Vice-Chancellor’s Office - Going Paperless

The Vice-Chancellor’s Office has gone practically paperless by uploading almost all their documentation onto an internet database and requesting providers send them only electronic copies. This initiative has served to demonstrate externally our commitment to sustainability. 24 Risk Frontiers - Walk the Talk

A total of 18 Risk Frontiers staff from the 8th floor of building E7A enthusiastically participated in a ‘stairs’ vs ‘lifts’ challenge. Placing a chart beside the lifts, whereby staff could log whether they climbed stairs instead of using the lift, created a competitive and fun element amongst colleagues, according to SRN member Lucinda Coates. Colleagues Delphine McAneney and James O’Brien started the initiative during the Departmental Sustainability Challenge. James calculated that each 7-flight ascent or descent was just over 19m. This meant that 144 trips were needed in order for the team to ascend Big Ben’s Mawson Peak – the highest mountain in the Australian Territories (2,745m ASL). Having conquered this peak, staff are now turning their attention to Mt Kilimanjaro. Dr Felipe de Oliveira, one of the scientists participating in the challenge, modelled CO2 savings and identified that, if one was to average two up-and-down stair climbs per working day, this would lead to a saving of 19.2kg of CO2 per year per staff member. It’s fun, it’s sustainable and it’s healthy too: climbing stairs is a great way to burn calories and get some fitness into one’s daily routine. And it’s catching: now staff on level 7 are getting into it!

Department of Psychology - Fair Trade Switch

The Department of Psychology is thinking globally and acting locally, by making the switch to Fair Trade coffee and tea in their lunch room. Choosing Fair Trade is about supporting better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. This initiative supports the University’s Fairtrade status and joins the broader offering of Fair Trade products at University outlets. Department of Media, Music, Critical Cultural Studies - Refill not Landfill

Department of Media, Music, Critical Cultural Studies (MMCCS) has set up a tea and coffee cup bank for the use of visitors to the Y3A café to reduce the usage of disposable cups. Ceramic cups and accompanying equipment for the initiative were sourced from the Furniture and Electronic Reuse and Recycling Scheme managed by Macquarie University Property. At the café, signage is displayed to promote to visitors that this is a sustainability initiative and that visitors can also gain a discount if they use theses cups when purchasing their tea and coffee. Visitors are requested to place the cups in a plastic container once finished and at the end of each day MMCCS administration staff collect the cups for cleaning and use the following day. This initiative is a simple yet effective example of the universities commitment to sustainability.

Save money with reusable cups at MMCS

Macquarie University Village - Recycle Efforts

Students and staff at the Macquarie University Village can now recycle their old printer cartridges and mobile phones at reception. Organised by former SRN member, Anna Crawford, the recycling stations were put in place to reduce the amount of electronic waste going to landfill. The collected items are remanufactured and recycled to recover materials like metals and plastics which can be used to make new products. Anna also dedicated a new space in the monthly Village newsletter to environmental matters.

26 - Paper Cuts

Lara Hardy, formerly an SRN rep for the Macquarie Law School, enthusiastically introduced a number of sustainability initiatives. Concerned with the substantial increase in paper consumption within the Law School, Lara emailed eco-tips to staff and students on how they can reduce paper use. Lara placed three department fax numbers on the Government’s ‘Do Not Call’ register to eliminate incoming junk mail and initiated the introduction of an electronic fax management system to significantly reduce the amount of printed faxes.

In relation to sustainable procurement, Lara proactively replaced the orders for less sustainable office stationery with more eco-friendly options and has championed for OfficeMax to provide office supplies in reusable containers. With the support of the Dean and other staff in the Law School, 100% vegetarian food is now provided at Law School events. Lara Hardy is now representing the Faculty of Business & Economics as an SRN member.

Macquarie University Property - Chocolate Rewards

Sally Northover, in her role as an SRN member for Property, has come up with a sweet way to encourage staff in her Department to be energy wise in their workplace. Chocolates are placed on the desks of colleagues who turn their computers off overnight, to recognise their energy efficient efforts! What Yummy surprise a great incentive to cut for powering emissions. down at property!

27 Risk Frontiers – Carbon Jeopardy

SRN member, Lucinda Coates has initiated the production and distribution (via email) of a newsletter, titled “Carbon Jeopardy”. Every week or so, it provides a list of practical ideas and handy tips to lower one’s environmental footprint both in the office and at home. Each issue focuses on a particular sustainability theme such as energy, water, waste, transport etc. The newsletter has been well received by colleagues.

Lucinda Coates hard at work spreading the word

Access Macquarie - Reduced Carbon Footprint

The creation of an interactive video tutorial for the delivery of online lectures is being used by Centre for Applied Finance. This has reduced the need for some travel and has also led to the reduction in printed materials. According to Pavle Jeric, who represents Access Macquarie on the SRN, this initiative has led to a cut in carbon emissions and has also reduced travel budgets. The video has been accessed on 1,010 occasions.

28 Faculty of Business & Economics - Technology Solutions for Sustainability

SRN representative, James Hazelton chairs the Faculty of Business & Economics Sustainability Committee, which is responsible for identifying opportunities and solutions for improved sustainability performance in the Faculty. Through the committee, a workshop was organised to focus on how technology could be used to enhance sustainability within the domains of teaching, research and administration/development. As an outcome of the workshop, the Committee will be focusing on enhancing staff IT literacy via drop-in workshops prior to the commencement of teaching in 2012 and leveraging the new University document management system to improve both academic and professional staff productivity. This will also involve developing an ipad ‘community of practice’ in April 2012.

FBE Sustainability Committee

Department of Biology - Green Christmas Festivities

Staff in the Department of Biology hosted a ‘green’ themed Christmas party. Most food was sourced from local (within 200km) sustainable suppliers through Food Connect Sydney (see www.foodconnect.com.au). Dishes made from home grown produce were also brought in by staff. Food was accompanied by a Home Brewed Beer competition, encouraging the consumption of local brew. Bought alcohol was Australian made only. Pre-loved items were swapped for presents, or if staff didn’t have anything to swap they bought something with a gold coin. Approximately $300 was raised. 29 Sustainability Grants Scheme

In 2011 a sustainability grants program was introduced to assist SRN members implement new sustainability initiatives in their Department which only required a small amount of funding to undertake. From a total pool of $5000, grants up to the value of $500 were available, with grants above $500 being considered on a merit basis.

A total of 10 grants were awarded to various departments across the campus. The summaries below showcase the diverse range of projects that have been financed under the first year of the grants program. Each of these projects, in their own way, further demonstrates what is being achieved by SRN members to make a positive difference towards sustainability at Macquarie.

SRN members workshopping their grant ideas 2230 Organic Herb Garden for Campus Kitchen Applicant: Campus Experience - Retail

Crunch Catering has established a garden to grow their own fresh organic herbs as well as some vegetables for use in the central kitchen. The objective was to minimise the purchase of produce from suppliers and to engage staff in growing a range of items

3123 Organic Herb Garden for Campus Kitchen

including sage, oregano, mint, thyme, coriander, nasturtium edible flowers, chilli, Asian mint, galangal, corn, garlic and sweet potato. The garden has been such a success that there are plans to expand it in 2012. Next time you purchase a meal at the Campus Hub, you may be eating fresh herbs and veges from this garden!

Organic herb and veggie garden outside the Campus Hub

2432 Kids love the Gumnut chooks

Chicken Coop for Gumnut Cottage

Applicant: Campus Experience - Gumnut Cottage

In line with Gumnut Cottage’s philosophy of partnering with families and exchanging ideas to enable children to learn more about the world we live in, Gumnut were encouraged by a few families who have chooks at home, to have a chicken coop set up at the Cottage. The chicken coop provides children at the Centre with an educational opportunity, involving them in caring for the chooks and collecting freshly laid eggs, which will be used in the children’s meals.

33 Kitchen Makeover to Encourage Staff to BYO and MYO Lunches to Reduce Waste Applicant: Faculty of Arts Administration Office

The purpose of this initiative was to provide better kitchen equipment to encourage staff to make healthier eating choices through preparing their own lunch at work. In providing an equipped kitchen it was felt that waste would be reduced as a result of less packaged food being purchased from takeaway outlets. To encourage staff to make lunches during the week, posters were made and activities promoted such as “make lunch with a friend” and ‘reduce your waste and your waist’. Staff have also been engaged through a kitchen utensil/bakeware/tupperware home cleanout for use in the faculty kitchens. Surplus donations will be passed on to relevant charities or community groups.

Lunch launch invite by the Faculty of Arts Join us to launch the facilities made available in the W6A 120 & W6A 220 kitchens from our 2011 Sustainability Grant.

Sustainability Event Invitation &

Challenge

Reduce your waste and waist!

Make your own lunch AT WORK for a week! 34

Monday 19 March to Friday 24 March Level 1 & 2 Faculty Admin Kitchens: W6A 120 & 220

Why do this? Get healthier … we should limit the amount of take‐away food bought each week. Reduce waste … much take‐away food is packaged in disposable containers. By bringing in grocery items to make your food at work, or packing your lunch in re‐useable containers you will reduce packaging and landfill Get to know your work colleagues better … this is a chance to swap recipes, chat over lunch, share food from different cultures.

Some  Bring a loaf of bread and various fillings to make toasted sandwiches. suggestions  Bring an egg & either fry it, scramble it or add some fresh fillings to make an omelette.  Bring in a prepared dish from home, bake it in the oven and share with your colleagues  Team up with colleagues to make a salad lunch, share a soup, swap recipes and other ideas for healthy lunches

Register your commitment with colleagues & get involved in this fun and healthy Sustainability initiative. For more ideas see: Web: http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au/ Good food gets the good tableware it deserves over at Faculty of Arts

Non-disposable Tableware for Events

Applicant: Faculty of Arts Administration Office

To reduce the amount of disposable catering items such as plastic plates, cups and cutlery being sent to landfill after Faculty meetings and other occasions, reusable tableware has been purchased for use at Faculty events. An on-line booking system for the new tableware items is being developed as part of the initiative.

35 Worm Farm for Innovations Centre Applicant: Macquarie ICT Innovations Centre

The Macquarie ICT Innovations Centre were keen to reduce the amount of organics going to landfill and to produce a natural fertiliser for use by staff. Staff were introduced to the workplace initiative at a morning tea where the Waste Education Officer from Ryde City Council demonstrated how to set up the worm farm. Signage has been placed in the kitchen to inform staff about what organics can be placed in the worm farm and what should be avoided.

Cate Fredrickson feeding the worms

36 Switching to Rechargeable Batteries Applicant: Faculty of Human Sciences Administration Office

After a review of single battery usage across Departments in the Faculty of Human Sciences, switching to using rechargers for batteries was considered a better alternative. Rechargeable batteries are better for the environment than disposable batteries because they conserve precious resources; they are energy efficient; and, as a result of their energy efficiency, they lower greenhouse gas emissions. All Faculty of Human Sciences Departments are now using rechargeable batteries which significantly reduced the number of batteries being sent to landfill.

Faculty of Human Science Battery recharge station

37 New Native Garden for College Students Applicant: Dunmore Lang College

A grassed area that required frequent mowing in the college grounds has been transformed into a thriving native garden using local plant species that provides a habitat for local fauna. A local bush regeneration volunteer is managing the project and engaging college students in establishing and maintaining the garden and learning more about the importance of enhancing biodiversity. Educational signage will also be installed as part of the initiative, once the transformation is complete.

Project Appraisal for an On-Campus Planetary Walk

Applicant: Department of Accounting & Corporate Governance

This initiative involved preparing a project proposal for putting in place a ‘scale model’ planetary walk on campus. The project proposal is due for completion in June 2012 and will include a budget and options for undertaking the walk. The report will be presented to Macquarie University Property for discussion and review. A planetary walk would provide students and staff with an experiential tool and visitors with an appreciation of the enormous size of our universe, as has been done in other locations around the world.

2438 Campus Experience Chefs show Marketing staff how it’s done

39 Master Cooking Class for Marketing Staff Applicant: Marketing Department

This initiative sought to engage staff in a fun and interactive MasterChef style cooking class through preparing and delivering a vegetarian meal which promoted sustainable solutions for buying, cooking and reducing the amount of good food being sent to landfill. The cooking session was led by Executive Chef, Peter Brewty and his team from Crunch Catering. The feedback from the marketing staff who took part was excellent. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed learning more about sustainable food and healthy solutions at meal times.

Evaluation of Online Social Networks for Sustainability Research Applicant: Department of Accounting & Corporate Governance

This initiative involved a study which aimed to provide an overview of the current social networking options for academics and some initial recommendations for which options look most favourable for sustainability researchers. The results of the study will be available in mid-2012 and will be made available on the Faculty of Business & Economics website.

40 Department Sustainability Challenge 2011

The Department Sustainability Challenge is considered by SRN members, an effective and fun way to engage staff in sustainability and to achieve simple things which make a difference. SRN members often take up the role of Department Challenge Coordinators within their workplace. They encourage and motivate their staff in completing actions across the Challenge competition categories that help create a sustainable workplace. These categories can vary from year to year, but have included sustainability target areas such as energy & emissions, water, participation, governance, transport, and purchasing. In 2011 a total of 39 departments took part in the third Department Sustainability Challenge.

A group of Macquarie University internship students are recruited to undertake the role of Challenge Liaisons. They assist Department Challenge Coordinators and their staff to implement the actions in the Challenge and win rewards along the way, as well as fantastic overall prizes awarded at the Awards night which included a case of organic wines, specialized plaques, and private sustainable cooking lessons with Campus Experience’s Executive Chef.

2011 Challenge Liaisons

4125 2011 Winners

Award Winner Professional Departments Most Improved Vice - Chancellor’s Office Runner Up Centre for Open Education Macquarie University Property Winner Human Resources Faculty Departments Most Improved Department of Linguistics Winning Departments • Faculty of Arts Administration Office • Faculty of Science Risk Frontiers • Faculty of Human Sciences Administration Office Winning Faculty Arts Campus Experience Highly Commended Sport Winning Department Retail

2642 What can you do? Top 10 Tips for a Sustainable Workplace

Some simple and effective ways for improving the sustainability performance of your workplace:

1. Turn off the lights when not in your office – even if you are only leaving for 5 minutes. After one week this saves over 5.4kg of CO2 per fluro

2. Try catching public transport, walking or riding to work instead of driving – even just once a week can make a difference. One full week without the car will save 50kg of CO2 (for 15km commute).

43 3. Buy a timer switch for your instant water boiler so that it is turned off overnight – after one week save 52kg of CO2. Timer switches cost around $12 and it will pay for itself in a little over one week!

4. Turn off your computer and screen monitor when you leave work - after one week save 15kg of CO2.

5. Turn off the printer at end of the day - after one week save 6.5kg of CO2.

6. Take the stairs instead of the lift - after one week save 3kg of CO2 (0.1kg per trip) and improve your health and fitness at the same time!

7. Use reusable water bottles and fill with tap water or filtered water on campus instead of buying bottled water. Choosing tap water is not only good for your budget, it’s an important way to reduce waste and emissions. In Australia, bottling water created more than 45.7 thousand tonnes of CO2 in 2009-10, excluding the significant amounts of CO2 produced in the transportation and refrigeration of bottled water.

8. If you make your cuppa in a kettle, only boil as much water as you need to - after one week save 0.5kg of CO2.

9. Use a ‘keep cup’ or coffee mug instead of using disposables and get a discount for doing it! Do this from now on and you’ll only produce 1/30 of the volume of waste you would with disposables over the years.

10. Set your printer default to print double-sided - do this from now on and cut your office paper consumption by up to 50%. (Source: ABC Green at Work)

For more information on sustainability refer to the website - www.mq.edu.au/sustainability

44 Appendix 1 Sustainability Network Representatives 2011 Area Name Building Number Access Macquarie Pavle Jeric DC Bldg (L3) 9805 3114 Peter Field DC Bldg (L3) 9805 3132 Lesley Manton-Hall DC Bldg (L3) 9805 6105 Campus Experience • Food & Beverage Huma Ahmed C10A 9850 7604 Keryn Boland C10A 9850 7774 • Administration Nick Opperman W10A 9850 6909 Catherine McDonald C10A 9850 7623 Leigh Skene C10A 9850 6582 • Accommodation Clare Wade E3A 9850 7965 • Retail Rebecca MacPherson C10A 9850 7606 • Food & Beverage Sean Nazareth C10A 9850 7720 • Operations Dave Gangell C10A 9850 7706 Marcel Julliard W10A NA • Banksia Cottage Cristal Hayes X6A 9850 7781 Tina Kalogirou X6A 9850 7781 • Gumnut Cottage Meredith Chan S1A 9850 7740 Dunmore Lang College Greg O'Brien 130-134 9856 1016 Herring Road North, Ryde Faculty of Arts • Dept. of Modern Geoffrey Hawker W6A 421 9850 8885 History, Politics • PICT Annabel Voysey Y3A L2 9850 1420 45 Area Name Building Number • Dept. of Bert Peeters W6A 215 9850 7007 International Studies • Faculty Carlene Kirvan W6A 222 9850 8736 Administration • Dept of English Marea Mitchell W6A 238 9850 8754 • Dept of Jean-Philippe Deranty W6A 728 9850 6773 Philosophy • MMCS Lisa Cuffe Y3A 255 9850 2257 Rosemary Eliott Y3A 9850 2252 • Dept Ancient Peter Keegan W6A 512 9850 8819 History • Macquarie Law Vijaya Nagarajan W3A 611 9850 7911 School Faculty of Business & Economics • Dept of James Hazelton E4A 239 9850 8486 Accounting & Corporate Faculty of Human Sciences • Centre for Open Gai Ramesh X5B 120 9850 6811 Education • Dept of Hiranya Anderson C5A 521 9850 8777 Linguistics • Faculty Suzane Azzi X5B 380 9850 9898 Administration • Dept of Nikki de Souza C3A 828 9850 8704 Education • Institute of Early Julie McCorquodale X5B 359 9850 9896 Childhood

46 Area Name Building Number • Institute Lesley McKnight C5C 415 9850 9599 of Human Cognition & Brain Science Faculty of Science • Dept of Manolya Kavakli- E6A 372 9850 9572 Computing Thorne • OH&S John Ten Have F9B 9850 7190 • Dept of Statistics Peter Petocz E4A 529 9850 9174 • Risk Frontiers - Lucinda Coates E7A 9850 6312 Natural Hazards Research Centre • Dept of Emma Wilkie E8C 212 9850 8213 Biological Sciences Human Resources Claire Phelps C4B 9850 1036 Susan Wallace C4B 9850 9766 Informatics Dhyana Scarano E6B 9850 1537 Leasa Speck E6B 9850 1514 Learning and Teaching Centre Greg Flannery C3B 9850 9796 Macquarie International Ben Li E3A 9850 6302 Daniel Garratt E3A 127 9850 6324 Diana Sun E3A 9850 6446 Macquarie ICT Innovations Centre Cate Fredrickson C5B 9850 4310

47 Area Name Building Number Macquarie University Library Paul Howse C3C 9850 7569 Macquarie University Property Sally Northover Y6A 9850 7140 Nataliya Pysarenko Y6A 9850 7125 Macquarie University Village Michael Tuckwell 122 Culloden 9812 6004 Road, Marsfield Marketing Anne Bowers Becton 9850 7250 Dickinson (BD) Building (Level 2) Mia Mia Child Child and Family Centre Janet Robertson X5B 080 9850 9880 Participation & Community Engagement (PACE) Stephanie Lee F9C 9850 6461 Vice-Chancellor’s Office Bronwyn Forster E11A Level 2 9850 7440 Robert Menzies College Paul Yeates 136 Herring 9936 6057 Rd Cochlear Clare James 1 University 9425 4194 Avenue Felicity Crombach 1 University 9425 5330 Avenue

48 Balaclava Road, North Ryde, Sydney, Australia Telephone (02) 9850 7111, Facsimile (02) 9850 7433 Macquarie University CRICOS Provider Number 00002J www.mq.edu.au