Sustainability Representative Network Highlights 2011 “Macquarie University 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