Environmental Sustainability Plan 2012-2015
Table of Contents Purpose .................................................................................................. 3 Scope ..................................................................................................... 3 Background .............................................................................................. 3 Environmental Policy .................................................................................. 6 Environmental Sustainability Plan ................................................................... 6 1.
Environmental Sustainability Management ................................................................. 8
2.
Education for Sustainability (Green Skills) .................................................................. 9
3.
Energy and Emissions .............................................................................................. 10
4.
Water ....................................................................................................................... 11
5.
Waste and Recycling ................................................................................................ 13
6.
Biodiversity and Grounds ......................................................................................... 13
7.
Transport .................................................................................................................. 14
8.
Buildings................................................................................................................... 15
9.
Purchasing and Consumption................................................................................... 15
Appendix 1: Environmental Sustainability Policy ................................................. 17 Appendix 2: Environmental Sustainability Plan ................................................... 18
TAFE Illawarra staff receiving a Silver recognition plaque from the NSW Environment Minister, Hon. Robyn Parker, in Sydney on 3 June, 2011.
Date Published: 12/11/2012
Purpose This Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP) outlines the TAFE NSW – Illawarra Institute’s environmental sustainability program for a 4 year period from January 2012 until the end of December 2015, incorporating environmental objectives, targets and management program as required for the Institute’s Environmental Management System.
Scope This document is based on the ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems – requirements with guidance for use, and in particular section 4.3.3 Objectives, targets and programs. ISO 14001 is an International Standard and the most widely used by organisations to manage their environmental impacts and risks. The ESP covers the properties, campuses and activities under the direct ownership and/or control of the TAFE NSW – Illawarra Institute. The Plan also supports collaboration with contractors and organisations associated with TAFE Illawarra.
Background The TAFE NSW – Illawarra Institute recognises that it has a responsibility to conduct its activities in an environmentally and socially responsible manner and to provide a quality environment in which to work and study. In December 2006, TAFE Illawarra adopted its inaugural Environmental Policy, the cornerstone of its Environmental Management System. In July 2011, the Institute’s Board of Management (BoM) approved a revised version of the Environmental Sustainability Policy (Appendix 1). The Policy states TAFE Illawarra’s commitment to environmental sustainability, prevention of pollution and continuous environmental improvement. Since the adoption of the Environmental Policy in 2006, a series of documents were prepared in accordance with ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems. These include registers of environmental impacts and legal requirements. To satisfy the ISO14001 planning requirements, a document containing environmental objectives, targets and programs needs to be prepared and is contained within this report. On 7 December 2009, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) endorsed a National Green Skills Agreement. The Green Skills Agreement seeks to build the capacity of the vocational education and training (VET) sector to deliver the skills for sustainability required in the workplace that will enable individuals, businesses and communities to adjust to, and prosper in, a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
Date Published: 12/11/2012
In 2010, a Green Skills Agreement Implementation Plan was prepared to progress the objectives of the Agreement. This Plan fits under a framework of environmental policies and plans of Government and the TAFE Illawarra. The NSW 2021 Plan is the overarching policy with its strategy to “strengthen our local environment and communities”. Subsidiary plans relating to this include the NSW Government Sustainability Policy, which sets targets and strategies for the NSW Government to lead by example in sustainable water use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy, waste and fleet management and sustainable purchasing. Supporting the NSW Sustainability Policy are additional plans, including: •
NSW Government Energy Management Policy
•
NSW Government's Metropolitan Water Plan
•
NSW Waste Recycling and Purchasing Policy and
•
Cleaner NSW Government Fleet initiative.
The NSW Government's commitment to better energy, water and materials management and reduced waste production is reflected in Department of Education & Communities (DEC) plans and resource targets including: •
a planned reduction of energy consumption by 5%
•
a planned reduction in water consumption by 15%
•
new waste contracts to include recycling and an increase of recycled content in DEC paper purchases, and
•
e-waste managed through equipment supply contracts.
To guide our sustainability actions here at TAFE Illawarra, the DEC has developed the following plans: •
Ecological Sustainability Cross-Portfolio Plan 2007-2010;
•
DET Energy Management plan;
•
DET Water Management plan; and
•
DET Waste Recycling and Purchasing Policy Plan.
Environmental and sustainability education in the DEC is guided by the Learning for Sustainability: NSW Environmental Education Plan 2007-10. Within TAFE Illawarra, various overarching policies sit above this Plan, and identify the need to operate in a sustainable manner. Towards 2015 is TAFE Illawarra's strategic direction for the next three years to 2015.
Date Published: 12/11/2012
It provides a framework for future Institute business focus and operations as well as a framework for positioning us to respond to key changes in the vocational education and training environment. Towards 2015 has as a key focus area to “grow environmental initiatives and sustainable practices”. This Environmental Sustainability Plan provides the necessary strategies to enable the organisation to satisfy all of the above policy requirements in sustainability.
Staff from TAFE Illawarra’s Goulburn Campus participating in a showcase display at the 2008 TAFE NSW Quality Awards in Sydney.
Date Published: 12/11/2012
Environmental Policy TAFE Illawarra is committed to working together with staff and students to achieve environmental best practice and ecological sustainability. In keeping with this commitment, this Plan is consistent with the Institute’s Environmental Sustainability Policy 2011 (Appendix 1).
Environmental Sustainability Plan This Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP) provides the mechanism for the implementation of the Environmental Sustainability Policy and aims to: • • • •
Identify environmental issues and set priorities Set overarching environmental objectives Establish environmental targets and key performance indicators, and Allocate responsibility and timeframes for action.
The ESP details strategies to be implemented, aimed at the continual improvement of environmental performance in the following key areas: 1. Environmental Sustainability Management 2. Education for Sustainability (Green Skills) 3. Energy & Emissions 4. Water 5. Waste & Recycling 6. Biodiversity & Grounds 7. Transport 8. Buildings 9. Purchasing & Consumption The ESP has been divided into these nine sections, with each section comprising environmental objectives, targets and performance indicators. An Action Plan for achieving the targets is outlined below with a set of strategies, responsibilities and timeframes allocated. The ESP will be reviewed annually by TAFE Illawarra’s Environmental Sustainability Steering Group (ESSG) and results reported to the Institute’s Board of Management (BoM).
Date Published: 12/11/2012
The mud brick Green Skills Training Centre at Yallah Campus complete with composting toilets, recycled timbers, solar hot water, solar power and edible gardens.
Staff and students from Wollongong TAFE Campus, University of Wollongong and surrounding primary and high schools gathered on the TAFE oval to create a “human sign” to promote Earth Hour 2010.
Date Published: 12/11/2012
1.
Environmental Sustainability Management
Objective Seek continual environmental improvement and set an example of leadership in the field of environmental management and sustainability. Targets 1. Maintain the certified Environmental Management System consistent with the International Standard AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 at the Yallah campus and extend certification to other campuses. 2. Ensure TAFE Illawarra strives for continual environmental improvement and management of pollution, and continues to operate in accordance with all relevant environmental legislation and other requirements. 3. Implement systems at all campuses for gathering environmental data for performance monitoring, carbon reporting and management review purposes. 4. Produce an annual environmental sustainability report to document environmental performance. 5. Participate in regular environmental activities/forums/conferences/awards etc. to promote and recognise the Institute’s environmental initiatives and leadership. Indicators of Environmental Performance •
EMS maintained and certification extended to other campuses.
•
No penalties or notices received for environmental breaches.
•
Sufficient data collected to evaluate indicators and monitor performance.
•
Environmental sustainability report produced every year.
•
Number of promotional events participated in each year.
Date Published: 12/11/2012
Action Plan No.
Strategy
Responsibility
Target Date
1.1
Maintain the certified Environmental Management System in accordance with ISO 14001:2004 International standard for Yallah campus and extend certification to other campuses.
ESC MDO South Coast ESSG
End of 2014
1.2
Maintain an Environmental Sustainability Steering Group for the Institute (comprising representatives from key sections) to oversee sustainability and Education for Sustainability strategies.
ID BoM Faculties MDO South Coast
1.3
Gather energy, water, waste, recycling and other necessary environmental data to allow for ongoing analysis of trends and performance.
1.4
March May August December
ESC CMs Finance
Monthly
Prepare an annual environmental sustainability report to highlight the Institute’s environmental achievements.
ESC ESSG
May each year
1.5
Participate in relevant events to showcase the Institute’s environmental sustainability achievements and initiatives.
ESC MDO South Coast
Ongoing as required
1.6
Recognise outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability with awards, incentives and acknowledgement of staff.
ID Media & PR
Annually
2.
Education for Sustainability (Green Skills)
Objective To position TAFE Illawarra as the leader in Green Skills/Sustainability innovation and best practice Target 1. Build staff capability to deliver skills for Sustainability in all vocational education and training programs 2. Integrate Green Skills/Sustainability principles across all practices within TAFE Illawarra 3. Research to underpin TAFE Illawarra’s opportunities to extend and sustain a. Green Skills/Sustainability training 4. Develop and implement high quality and innovative Green Skills/Sustainability products and services 5. Increase student enrolments in defined green skills units by the end of 2013 to achieve the TAFE NSW target of 15%
Date Published: 12/11/2012
Indicators of Environmental Performance • • •
All staff completed EfS training Increase the % of students enrolled in green skills units above the State Targets of 15% Number of green skills courses/workshops delivered for students
Action Plan No.
3.
Strategy
Responsibility
Target Date
2.1
Implement a detailed Skills for Sustainability Action Plan for 2013
ESC
February 2013
2.2
All staff to access and complete the TAFE NSW education for sustainability staff induction online training program.
ESC
September 2013
2.3
Deliver green skills/sustainability awareness training program to all staff.
2.4
Offer and deliver a range of green skills units to students across all faculties.
2.5
Promote Green Skills Training Australia’s products and services throughout the region.
PDU PDU ESC
September 2013
Teachers
Ongoing
BDU
Ongoing
Energy and Emissions
Objective Practice responsible energy management to reduce operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Targets 1. Reduce facilities energy (electricity and gas) consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions by 10% by the end of 2014, compared to 2010 levels. 2. Continue to purchase 6% of electricity supply from accredited Green Power (i.e. renewable energy sources). 3. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with TAFE Illawarra’s fleet vehicles by 20% by the end of 2014, compared to 2010 levels. Indicators of Environmental Performance •
% reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from 2010 figures (per capita and gross floor area)
•
% of Green Power purchased
•
Total greenhouse gas emissions from fleet vehicles
Date Published: 12/11/2012
Action Plan No.
3.1
3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
4.
Strategy Identify and progressively implement energy savings measures at all campuses, including conducting energy audits, demand management and energy efficiency measures. Implement staff/student engagement programs to raise awareness about saving electricity at TAFE. Regularly monitor electricity usage at all campuses and report on trends to management. Investigate opportunities for alternative energy sources such as solar panels and implement them where cost-effective. Continue to purchase 6% accredited Green Power for all campuses. Lease passenger fleet vehicles with a minimum Green Vehicle Guide Environmental Performance Score of 13.5 to minimise greenhouse gas emissions. Provide training in online telecommunication and video-conferencing for staff to reduce the need for travel. Investigate further power management options for PCs in association with the automatic PC shutdown.
Responsibility
Target Date
ESC MDOs
Monthly
CMs ESC All Staff
Ongoing
ESC CMs
Monthly
ESC Assets
Ongoing
CMs
Ongoing
CMs MDOs Finance
End of 2013
TLI
March September
ICTS ESC
Ongoing
Water
Objective Practice responsible water and wastewater management and conserve water, wherever possible. Target 1. Fully comply with mandatory water restrictions and trade wastewater agreements. 2. Reduce TAFE Illawarra’s purchased water consumption by 10% by the end of 2014, compared to 2010 levels. 3. Install water bottle refilling stations at 6 larger campuses to help reduce the consumption of single use bottled water. Indicators of Environmental Performance •
No penalties received for breaching water restrictions or trade wastewater licenses
•
All water permits up-to-date
•
% reduction in water usage (kL) from 2010 annual figures (per capita and gross floor area)
•
Water bottle refilling stations installed
Date Published: 12/11/2012
Action Plan No.
Strategy
Responsibility
Target Date
4.1
Relevant staff to be aware of current water restrictions for their campuses to ensure there are no breaches
All staff
Ongoing as required by local restrictions
4.2
Identify and progressively implement water savings measures at all campuses, including conducting routine water audits
ESC
30 April
CMs
31 July 31 October 24 December
4.3
4.4
4.5
Regularly monitor water consumption at all campuses to detect leaks and rectify them as soon as practicable
ESC
Review trade wastewater permits annually to ensure they are current and reflect the quality and quantity of wastewater generated
ESC
Install refillable water bottle stations at 6 of the larger campuses to help reduce the reliance and purchasing of single use bottled water
CMs
Monthly
CMs Annually
CMs February 2013
ESC ITSA
Water tank installed at Yallah Campus which is used for garden watering
Date Published: 12/11/2012
5.
Waste and Recycling
Objective Practice responsible materials management including waste avoidance and minimisation, reuse and recycling. Target 1. Reduce general waste going to landfill by 20% by the end of 2014, compared to 2010 levels. 2. Recycle all waste paper, cardboard, printer toner cartridges, mobile phones, waste oil and scrap metal. Indicators of Environmental Performance •
% reduction in waste to landfill from 2010 annual figures (per capita and gross floor area)
•
Volume of materials recycled
Action Plan No.
Strategy
Responsibility
5.1
Prepare and implement a Waste Reduction Procedure to avoid creating waste and to minimise waste disposal.
ESC
ESC
5.2
Investigate and implement cost-effective solutions for recycling waste (including electronic waste and timber/sawdust waste).
5.3
Provide recycling services to all campuses to allow for full recycling of paper, cardboard, toner cartridges, mobile phones, waste oil and scrap metal.
5.4
Monitor waste and recycling volumes/weights and collections.
6.
CMs
CMs
Target Date
End of 2012
End of 2012
ICTS CMs ESC
ESC
End of 2012
Ongoing
Biodiversity and Grounds
Objective Ensure that TAFE Illawarra’s environmental impact is minimised on campus grounds and that biological diversity is protected and enhanced. Target 1. Protect and enhance sensitive environmental sites on campus. 2. Control weeds, pests and feral animals in an environmentally-sound manner. Indicators of Environmental Performance •
Identified sensitive sites protected from harm
Date Published: 12/11/2012
Action Plan No.
Strategy
Responsibility
6.1
Implement the Conservation Areas Management Plan for the endangered Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodland community at the Yallah Campus
ESC
7.
Target Date February 2013
Yallah CM Yallah staff
6.2
Conduct bush regeneration and weed control in significant environmental areas on campus
CMs
Ongoing
6.3
Give preference to native indigenous plants and water wise gardens when landscaping around campuses
CMs
Ongoing
6.4
Control feral animal and pest species using environmentally-sound methods
CMs
Ongoing
Transport
Objective Encourage and facilitate sustainable transport options to/from/between campuses for staff and students. Target 1. Develop Workplace Travel Plans for all Northern District campuses by end of Term 1 2013. 2. Assess adequacy of current facilities on campus for commuting cyclists and walkers e.g. bike racks etc. and consider upgrades as part of works budget. Indicators of Environmental Performance •
5 Workplace Travel Plans prepared
•
Adequate facilities provided for cyclists and walkers
Action Plan No.
Strategy
7.1
Develop Workplace Travel Plans for Northern District campuses by end of Term 1 2013.
7.2
Assess each campus for adequate facilities such as showers, change rooms and safe bicycle storage for staff/students that commute by bicycle or walk to campus.
Date Published: 12/11/2012
Responsibility ESC CMs
CMs
Target Date 2013
2013
8.
Buildings
Objective Provide facilities and buildings incorporating environmentally sound principles and sustainability features. Target 1. Ensure all new buildings and major renovations incorporate environmental sustainability principles, energy and water savings measures. 2. All new buildings to be equipped with rainwater tanks for toilet flushing/garden watering, as well as ceiling insulation. 3. Existing buildings to be “weather-proofed” for improved thermal comfort and energy efficiency. 4. Where possible Retro fitting for existing facilities. Indicators of Environmental Performance •
All new buildings and renovations are environmentally sound with energy and water savings technology included.
•
Rainwater tanks and ceiling insulation installed on all new buildings.
•
Weather proofing of existing buildings considered in works program.
•
Continued Retro fitting of energy efficient lighting to reduce energy costs.
Action Plan No.
Strategy
8.1
Assess building design and performance against relevant green building rating systems and best practice green building principles.
8.2
Rainwater tanks and ceiling insulation to be included in all new building construction.
8.3
Existing campus buildings to be ‘weatherproofed’ e.g. ceiling insulation added, shade provided on western sides of buildings, seal off drafts etc. to improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency, as part of works program.
8.4
Continued retrofitting of energy efficient lighting to reduce energy costs
9.
Responsibility
Target Date
ESC
As required
MDOs
As required
MDOs CMs
MDO’S CM’s
End of 2013
As Required within Investment cycle
Purchasing and Consumption
Objective Consume less products and purchase environmentally-preferred products, where cost effective over the life of the product. Target 1. Develop “Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines” by the end of 2012. 2. A minimum of 85% of all copy paper purchased is to contain recycled content.
Date Published: 12/11/2012
3. Ensure any future MFD contract includes paper savings targets. 4. Select materials, equipment and services that are environmentally-preferred and prevent pollution. Indicators of Environmental Performance •
Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines prepared
•
% recycled-content paper purchased
•
Volume of paper consumed
•
Environmentally-preferred products purchased
Action Plan No.
Strategy
9.1
Prepare and implement “Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines” to assist staff in purchasing products which are environmentally-preferred.
9.2
Purchase recycled-content paper for >85% of copy paper supplies.
9.3
Set all staff photocopiers and printers to doublesided printing/copying by default.
9.4
Identify opportunities to convert paper-based administration resources into electronic form to reduce paper needs.
9.5
Purchase electrical products with at least a 3-star Energy Rating for energy efficiency and a minimum of 4-star WELS rating for water products for water efficiency.
Responsibility ESC ESSG MDOs CMs MDOs
ESC Admin
All staff
ACRONYMS BoM CM EfS EMS ESSG ESC ICTS ID ITSA MDO OL&D PDU TLI
Board of Management Campus Manager Education for Sustainability (also known as Green Skills) Environmental Management System Environmental Sustainability Steering Group Environmental Sustainability Coordinator Information & Communications Technology Section Institute Director Illawarra TAFE Student Association Manager District Operations Organisational Learning & Development Professional Development Unit Teaching & Learning Initiatives
Date Published: 12/11/2012
Target Date
End of 2012
Quarterly January July
Ongoing
Ongoing
Appendix 1: Environmental Sustainability Policy
Date Published: 12/11/2012
Appendix 2: Environmental Sustainability Plan Key Performance Targets projected for 2015 (with 2010 baseline year results) Facilities energy consumption (includes all electricity, natural and LPG gas consumed for facilities, but excludes transport-related energy use), Green Power and purchased electricity. Energy
Green Power GJ/m2 GFA (b)
GJ/head (a)
Electricity
Use
kWh/m2 GFA (b)
kWh/head (a)
2010
2015
2010
2015
2010
2015
2010
2015
2010
2015
3.43
3.09
0.29
0.26
6%
6%
701.3
631.2
59.3
53.4
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from facilities and staff automotive travel (excludes private vehicle usage). Facilities (c)
Automotive Transport 2
t CO2-e /head
t CO2-e/m GFA
t CO2-e/staff
2010
2015
2010
2015
2010
2015
0.77
0.69
0.06
0.05
0.35
0.28
Mains (potable) water purchased per head (staff + students) and per gross floor area. Water kL water used/m2 GFA
kL water used/head
Date Published: 12/11/2012
2010
2015
2010
2015
3.19
2.87
0.27
0.24
Appendix 2 cont’d Waste to landfill per head (staff + students) and per gross floor area. Waste 2
kg waste to landfill/head
kg waste to landfill/m GFA
2010
2015
2010
2015
33.86
27.09
2.86
2.29
Percentage of copy paper purchased with recycled content. Paper Percentage of Copy Paper with Recycled Content 2010
2015
26%
85%
Notes: (b) Per head includes both staff and students. For comparative purposes with other higher education institutions such as Universities, one Equivalent Fulltime Student Load (EFTSL) at TAFE equates to 720 actual student contact hours. Staff numbers are standardized by Fulltime Equivalents (FTE) of teaching and non-teaching staff. In 2010, there were 949 FTE staff and 11,277 EFTSL students = 12,226 total. 2 (c) m is for Gross Floor Area (GFA). Records from DET Asset Management show the Institute’s total Gross Floor Area in 2010 was 144,676 m2. (d) Facilities GHG emissions did not include purchased accredited Green Power, as this renewable energy effectively has no GHG emissions. However, Green Power was included in the total facilities energy consumption table (GJ and kWh) as it is consumed electricity.
Date Published: 12/11/2012
