Sustainability Covenant

December 2004

Swinburne is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability as the first university in Victoria to commit to a 'Sustainability Covenant'.

The Sustainability Covenant being developed in conjunction with the Environment Protection Authority of Victoria (EPA Victoria) will commit Swinburne to becoming more socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.

Head of Swinburne's National Centre for Sustainability, Linda Condon, says the covenant also send a clear message to government, business and the community that Swinburne is serious about resource efficiency and sustainability.

"We live in an increasingly challenged ecological society so it is important that organisations such as Swinburne take the lead and show they are serious about making a difference to the environment to ensure it is preserved for future generations."

The Sustainable Swinburne Committee has promoted the development of the covenant, and staff and students are playing a key role in formulating it. Through a series of forums, online surveys and focus groups, ideas are being sought from the broader Swinburne community about what should be included in the covenant. Among the many areas it will cover will be energy efficiency, reduced water consumption, waste minimisation and 'green purchasing'.

Another important part of the covenant will be teaching students about sustainability. "As an educational institution we have a responsibility to educate our students, who will become leaders of the future, about the importance of sustainability. It should become a part of the teaching process in all of our courses."

Swinburne aims to launch the Sustainability Covenant in March next year and institute it over a two or three-year period.

"We want to have aims, objectives and milestones set within the covenant to be met in specific timeframes. It is vital that this is not simply a document that sits on a shelf, but something each and every Swinburne staff member and student can play a part in to guarantee a better future for themselves, their families and ultimately all Australians."