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IES
Entrance
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UNSW Environment Policy
(printable
version)
Commitment and Aims
UNSW recognises its environmental obligations to present
and future generations both locally and globally. UNSW recognises the
strategic importance of an Environment Policy to enhance the quality of
the University’s activities and provide leadership in an area of
major concern to the community.
UNSW aims for environmental best practice and the integration
of environmental responsibility in all aspects of the University's work,
this policy statement provides a framework for establishing:
- environmental objectives;
- targets;
- action plans;
- procedures;
- review and evaluation mechanisms.
Scope and Priorities
The scope of this policy embraces all UNSW activities
including:
- teaching;
- research;
- development and maintenance of the UNSW infrastructure and services;
- associated administrative and operational support functions;
- engagement and participation of UNSW community;
- engagement of the broader community.
The following criteria are used to determine priorities:
impact on the physical and biological environment; contribution to innovation
and definition of best environmental practice; compliance with statutory
requirements and other environmental commitments; availability of resources.
Implementation
The UNSW Environment Policy provides the framework
for the development of a 5 year Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The
EMP will incorporate a rolling action plan, with annual cycle of review
and budget allocation, which in turn provides the mechanism for implementation
of the Policy. The Environmental Management Plan will:
- identify and prioritise objectives;
- establish targets;
- document individual actions and time frames to achieve targets;
- allocate resources and responsibilities to enable realisation of the
overall Plan;
- set performance indicators and mechanisms to monitor and report progress.
Strategies
UNSW adopts the following strategies to implement its
Environmental Management Plan:
- Develop and promote a culture of environmental leadership, responsibility
and continual improvement across the UNSW community;
- Audit, monitor and ensure compliance with, UNSW environmental legislative
and regulatory obligations, organisation policy and other environmental
commitments;
- Utilise the resources of the UNSW to lead the way in defining and
achieving best environmental practice;
- Advance and disseminate environmental knowledge and applied environmental
management through teaching, research and engagement with the wider
community.
Responsibilities
Successful implementation of the UNSW Environment Policy
requires clear identification of the responsibilities and allocation of
resource across the University:
- University Council is responsible for the ultimate approval of the
UNSW Environment Policy;
- The Vice Chancellor is accountable to University Council for achieving
the goals and objectives of the Policy, including allocation of sufficient
resources to enable implementation;
- The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Resources) is accountable to the Vice-Chancellor
for developing and reviewing of the Environment Policy, preparation
and implementation of the Environment Management Plan, and annual reporting
on progress towards achieving agreed objectives;
- The Academic Board is responsible for:
- the integration of environmental issues into UNSW teaching and
research practice;
- ensuring the adoption, promotion and evaluation of environmental
literacy as a UNSW graduate attribute;
- providing leadership in implementing the academic aspects of the
UNSW Environment Policy and Environmental Management Plan;
- The Environment Policy Advisory Committee is responsible for providing
strategic advice to the DVC (R) in relation to development and review
of the Environment Policy and Environment Management Plan, and endorsement
of the associated action plan, and endorsement of the annual UNSW Environment
Report;
- The Environment Unit is accountable to the DVC (R) for the drafting
of the Environment Management Plan, facilitation and implementation
of the Plan, and preparation and distribution of the UNSW annual Environment
Report;
- In their areas of responsibility, Divisional Heads and Deans are accountable
to the Vice-Chancellor for planning and budgeting for the implementation
of the Environment Management Plan and reporting on the outcomes;
- UNSW expects all members of the wider university community, contractors,
visitors and tenants to be aware of and act in accordance with the UNSW
Environment Policy.
Evaluation
The Environment Policy Advisory Committee reviews the
Environment Policy and advises the DVC (R) of recommended changes. EPAC
will review progress of achieving outcomes of each year’s Environment
Management Plan to determine effectiveness and implementation of the Policy
and to inform the UNSW annual Environment Report.
UNSW adopts the following mechanisms
to monitor performance:
- Set clear objectives for each priority area;
- Establish performance indicators to monitor progress
in achieving these objectives;
- Prepare an annual Environment Report and publicity
as appropriate, documenting actions taken during the year to improve
the University’s environmental performance and identifying opportunities
for further improvement in the following year;
- Include channels for stakeholder feedback in reporting
structures.
This policy will be communicated to the wider university
community and made available to the general public.
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