SRN Workshop 3

28 July, 9.30am – 11.30am

E5A 119

Present: Leanne Denby, Belinda Bean, Daniel Garrett, Juan Laverde, Anne Bowers, Sally Northover, Dhyana Scarano, Anna Crawford, Meredith Chang, James Hazelton, Carlene Kirvan, Keryn Boland, Nick Opperman, Pavle Jeric, Chadi, Aoun, Richard Miller, Manolya Kavakli-Thorne, John Kyriazis, Marcel Juliard, Greg O’Brien

  1. Welcome and introductions
  2. Members introduced themselves and Nick Opperman, the new Campus Experience Environmental Sustainability Officer was introduced.
  3. Green Globes Public Sector Sustainability award announced
  4. New Sustainability Assistant, Cindy Cunningham, will start on 16 August and has one day devoted to running the SRN initiative
  5. Summary presentation of Quarterly SRN reports.
  • Over 30 meetings addressed regarding sustainability this quarter
  • Actions during period – lots of diverse innovative initiatives undertaken
  • Challenges – need to address reoccurring challenges as a group
  • Opportunities – ACTS conference nominations in the future.
  • James Hazleton feels that there is an opportunity to bridge the gap between researchers and campus operations in terms of data collection. John Kyriazis felt that research into our paper vs online case study is needed.
  • Other observations and comments – lack of knowledge and conservative targets.
  • Follow up required –
  • Print management to be followed up with Juan Laverde and Pavle Jeric.
  • ACTS to be accessible by all in the near future.
  1. Sydney University’s Sustainable Workplace Initiative (SWI) - Joel Turner.
  • Joel Turner introduced Amber and Gordon – active members of the Sustainable Workplace Team
  • Presentation: The Development of Sydney University’s SWI
  • Resources: interactive website, sharepoint website (not extremely well received), quarterly workshops (develop knowledge, initiatives, and share ideas), how-to guides, small grants, events, socials, and newsletters.
  • Problems: skepticism of commitment, some want top-down approach, narrow views for moving forward.
  • Advantages: small action teams have emerged, achievements are being recognized, staff are more informed, and social events get staff meeting each other.
  • Amber and Gordon presented on some their achievements through the SWI
  • Questions and Answer time:
  • Manolya Kavakli-Thorne asked if there is a central e-waste recycling system – Y3A has a central pick up for MQ’s e-waste. Richard Miller saw the opportunity for a reuse program attached to the e-waste recycling.
  • Dhyana Scarano asked how the SWI got past the negative connotations some staff have with ‘sustainability’ and some associated words. Gordon feels persistence is best as it leads to culture change, and Joel recommended tailoring the message and mentioning efficiency and waste.
  • James Hazleton asked about linkages from the SWI to teaching and research. Amber felt the SWI is still in the early stages of this – closest they have come is working with the Learning and Teaching Centre to print unit outlines double sided. There is also a Sydney University Institute dedicated to sustainability and learning and teaching. Gordon said getting speakers from various departments to talk to the SWI about the operational systems they use or research topics – this facilitates linkages.
  • Daniel Garrett asked about recycled paper usage at Sydney University. Gordon offered to send the SRN the case study and research they have put together.
  • Carlene Kirvan asked if the SWI promoted sustainability in the home – beyond campus. SWI adds it in when they can, but nothing has been formalised. Gordon felt staff will do a lot more sustainable actions in the home that what we realise
  • Richard Miller asked how to maintain enthusiasm within the SWI. Gordon said it is important to top support for the group so that initiatives can move forward. Joel said that individuals from the SWI get around this by implementing their own projects and playing to their strengths. They then produce a case study detailing how it worked with the intent of spreading it further throughout the University.
  1. SRN Website and Resources
  2. Belinda ran through the website and resources available
  3. SRN want a sharepoint type communication tool, similar to the SWI at Sydney University.
  4. Dhyana Scarano suggested implementing a wiki.
  5. Action: Iain Brew (Multimedia Administrator) to email Dhyana.
  6. Department Challenge
  • Leanne and Belinda ran through the set up of the 2010 Challenge, prize categories, challenge liaison resource and how to enter.
  1. Announcements
  • Power Flick: -
  • Election 101 Seminars on 11 & 18August:
  • Swap Party 9 – 13 August in E7B Courtyard.
  1. Close.

Next SRN meeting on 15 November, 2010 from 10am – 12pm in Y3A 212

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