NCS is currently in the process of developing a sustainability strategy for Swinburne. A key output of this project will be the development of a range of sustainability-related procedures and initiatives, and the development of a Sustainability Covenant between Swinburne and EPA Victoria.

The Sustainability Covenant is a great opportunity for Swinburne University to reduce its impacts on the environment and be recognised as a forward thinking organisation. Swinburne will be the first university in Victoria to undertake an initiative of this nature, which is a voluntary agreement made under the guidance of and in collaboration with the EPA Victoria. The aim of this agreement is to develop and implement creative and innovative ways of working towards reducing the environmental impacts of Swinburne and promoting the incorporation of sustainability concepts in teaching.

Student and staff forums were held at the Hawthorn and Lilydale campuses during the first week of August. The purpose of the forums was to:

	inform staff and students and promote awareness about the development of a Sustainability Covenant
	launch a survey to gather ideas and attitudes of the Swinburne community about sustainability
	gather participants interested in sustainability to join in focus groups to further discuss and develop ideas for a Sustainability Covenant
	promote the introduction of a Green Office Program