Environmental Management at Murdoch University

Murdoch University has a historical connection to promoting sound environmental practices through its academic programs in Biology, Environmental Science & Sustainability Technology & Policy. The campus grounds at the South Street campus reflect this connection with its native landscaping theme and remnant native vegetation.

• Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC)
  • Sustainability Workshop 1 - Feedback Report
• Environmental Policies
• Environmental Awards
• Who to contact

Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC)

The Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC) was formed in April 2011 to replace the Environment Committee, reflecting a broader new perspective. The ESAC is formed from a range of staff and student representatives, with broad interest.

ESAC Terms of Reference

1. To develop, periodically review and update the Sustainability Policy, and related sub-policies, for the University.
2. Based on this policy, to develop, periodically review and update a sustainability plan for the University’s campuses which address all lands and facilities including key sustainability indicators for the built and natural environments, the farm lands, sporting fields and human activity on campus.
3. To oversee the implementation of the sustainability plan and monitor those key sustainability indicators within the plan.
4. To report annually to the Vice Chancellor on the progress of Sustainability Plan implementation.
5. To report annually to the Senate on the sustainability status of the university including performance against key performance indicators.
6. To advise the Vice Chancellor on any sustainability issues that are referred to the committee.
7. To advise the Vice Chancellor on significant resource implications of the Sustainability Plan, and sustainability aspects of the campus Master Plan.
8. To recommend the sustainability parameters for campus development, operations, education and research.
9. To engage and involve staff and students, and lessees where appropriate, in various sustainability initiatives, events and activities, including behavioral change and education programs.
10. To enhance the university’s reputation as a leader in sustainability management, education and research, including the development of a targeted website.  

Objectives

• Agree scope of Sustainability Strategy – (eg staff, students, lessees, campus operations, technology, academic profile, economic, external focus).
• Establish Sustainability Strategy implementation responsibilities.
• Develop an over-arching Sustainability Policy, engaging staff and students.
• Conduct gap analysis within areas of scope to determine priority areas for improvement.
• Research best practice within agreed areas of scope.
• Develop Sustainability Plan with actions, priorities, timeframes, costings and responsibilities.
• Develop KPI’s.
• Implement Sustainability Plan.
• Report on progress of sustainability program (ideally within areas of scope and embedded in KPIs of each area).

Composition and Membership
 
All members will have a commitment to high environmental and sustainability standards.

• Vice Chancellor or nominee as Chair.
• 6 members of staff with environmental expertise, including
    
  • Expertise in the built environment.
  • Expertise in the natural environment.
  • Expertise in energy and water issues.
  • Expertise in carbon emissions.
  • Expertise in waste management.
  • Experience in assessing the success of policy.
  • Persons with a clear understanding of the interrelationship between the physical, social and economic environment

• A student member nominated by Murdoch University Environmental Science Students Association (MUENSA).
• The membership will include at least one male and at least one female.
• Standing observer: Director of Commercial Services.
• Secretariat: Office of Commercial Services.

Term of Office:  Members are appointed for a term of up to 3 years and may be re-appointed.

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Sustainability Workshop Feedback Report

Click the link to view the Sustainability Workshop Feedback Report (pdf) from the first workshop conducted on 9 November 2011.

Environmental Policies

• See the Office of Commercial Services Policies Page (formerly Office of Facilities Management).

NB - Please note that these policies are currently being reviewed.

Environmental Awards

2011 WA Environment Awards Winner - Best Practice Recycling Management Program (pdf)

2002 WA Environmental Award - Eco-Building Category

For further information regarding environmental issues please contact:

Environmental Program Manager
Caroline Minton
Ph: (08) 9360 7602
Fax: (08) 9360 2949
Email: C.Minton@murdoch.edu.au

Sustainability Officer
Leah Knapp
Ph: (08) 9360 6361
Fax: (08) 9360 2949
Email: L.Knapp@murdoch.edu.au

Director Commercial Services
Karen Schmidt
Ph: (08) 9360 6900
Fax: (08) 9360 2949
Email: K.Schmidt@murdoch.edu.au