Sustainability Representative Network

Workshop 1, 5 February 2010

MINUTES

  1. The SRN was welcomed and everyone was introduced.
  2. LD went through the SRN and the formal recognition of the role.
  3. LD did a presentation on current sustainability highlights around campus (see attached).
  4. Participants were asked of their impressions of sustainability on campus. In general, the SRN felt that sustainability was gaining credence and many sighted specific operational projects that had been undertaken in their area.
  5. Participants were asked what more we could be doing to improve the sustainability performance of the University. Suggestions included:
  6. Travel offsets
  7. Solar power
  8. Turning lights/air-con off after hours in the library – work with cleaners to get this done
  9. Encourage local food production
  10. Switching vehicle fleet to hybrid
  11. Improve cycling culture
  12. Space for Learning and Teaching
  13. LD gave an overview of what sustainability means in general, what it means at Macquarie University, and what the roles and responsibilities of the SRN will be.
  14. Groups took part in an activity which discussed the SRN role and what the challenges and obstacles may be. Issues included:
  15. Having access to the right information
  16. Current culture – staff overworked/don’t care/want incentives
  17. Middle management support
  18. Marketing messages effectively
  19. Other staff not supporting role
  20. Complicated/mixed messages
  21. Reps from different cultural backgrounds and understandings of sustainability.
  22. Solutions offered by to address these issues included:
  23. Putting sustainability on the agenda

NOTE: We have negotiated with Faculty of Business and Economics and Faculty of Human Sciences for sustainability to be a standing agenda item at all major committee meetings. Furthermore, other areas such as OFM, OMP, the Library and Campus Experience also include sustainability in their agenda items for discussion.

  1. Notice boards
  2. Only sending out a few key messages that are simple and consistent
  3. Share innovations and ideas across the SRN

NOTE: How does everyone feel about setting up a dedicated Google Docs site for the SRN? Please advise via if you do not agree with this decision or have an alternative solution.

  1. Advise new students/employees through enrolment and induction

NOTE: This year, all new student enrolments will receive a “Welcome” DVD which depicts a day in the life of a more sustainable student. All new employees will be required to undertake the online Sustainability Training Modules.

  1. Quarterly eNewsletter from sustainability

NOTE: Belinda is currently responsible for developing and disseminating the quarterly eNewsletter. With your agreeance, we would prefer that the distribution of this newsletter was given to you. The format for this newsletter is open for discussion if need be.

  1. Concentrate on 1 or 3 achievements at a time
  2. Feedback the measurement of progress (eg. turning off lights)
  3. Have the appropriate/relevant information on issues
  4. Create a sense of community around an issue of importance for the department
  5. Support and recognise a sense of achievement
  6. Skilling up the reps
  7. Make it a PDR element

NOTE: Be sure to include this in your PDR’s as you draft them for 2010, or during your end of year review.

  1. Get middle management support
  1. Groups then moved onto another activity which involved developing a student pitch. Each group presented their ideas to a judging panel. Ideas included:
  2. People, Planet, Participation: logo for recognition of sustainable achievements
  3. Save Silver, So Short Showers: water awareness campaign
  4. *Lets Green the MQ Machine: student empowerment program with the M-POWER HOUSE info hub
  5. Sustain and Gain: sustainability themed short film festival
  6. Tree of Life: a campaign about life choices
  7. Want to Open Doors: practical campaign to give students access to CSR employers.

* Winning pitch.

  1. Close and Lunch.

NEXT STEPS:

  1. Complete the workshop evaluation form available at . Please be as honest and open as possible in your replies.
  2. Attend the Town Hall meeting on Thursday February 18 2010 in the Atrium. The meeting has a sustainability focus and Leanne is introducing the SRN.
  3. Review relevant documentation as per the Checklist provided in the workshop information pack.
  4. Organise a time for Belinda and I to meet with your immediate supervisor and Head or Director of your Department/Exec Dean. Liaise directly with Belinda ( / ext 1003) for times.
  5. We will advise when the next workshop is once the date is known.

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