sustainability strategy - Swinburne University of Technology

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Sustainability at Swinburne The Vision Swinburne will embrace sustainability across all its dimensions. With the objective of making sustainability at Swinburne a key driver in all behaviours, future planning and service delivery outcomes, this Strategy will be a catalyst for drawing together existing and emerging endeavours in sustainability at Swinburne. “‘Sustainability’ implies that the critical activities of a [tertiary] institution are ecologically sound, socially just and economically viable, and that they will continue to be so for future generations. A truly sustainable university would emphasise these concepts in its curriculum and research, preparing students to contribute as working citizens to an environmentally healthy and equitable society. The institution would function as a sustainable community, embodying responsible consumption of energy, water, and food, and supporting sustainable development in its local community and region.” 1 Sustainability thinking represents an emerging mode of inquiry which questions and seeks to understand whether any current product, process or system can be continued indefinitely into the future from the perspective of ecological, social and economic viability and risk. At Swinburne we will adopt this definition of ‘sustainability’ and apply it to our Strategy and to the associated initiatives. Implementing the Vision The Swinburne Vision, Outcomes and Targets for the Sustainability Strategy focus on six interdependent priority directions with the aim of delivering University cohesiveness and consistency in effort and performance. Goal 1 Culture and Stewardship To draw on the leadership, commitment and knowledge of the University and broader community to create a working, learning and research culture which is the benchmark in sustainability for all education providers globally. Goal 2 Teaching and Learning To ensure that the design, delivery and promotion of our education programs develop appropriate discipline-specific expertise, skills and attributes in our graduates that assist them to contribute to a sustainable future, within the context of their particular career, profession or trade. Goal 3 Research To ensure that Faculties and Schools undertake research in a sustainable manner and establish research areas that contribute to sustainability globally. Goal 4 People Development To build a positive enabling culture that embraces sustainability in curriculum, research and the work place. Goal 5 Social and Community Sustainability To maximise our dual sector strengths to create a transformational model for community and sustainable educational partnerships which embraces social inclusion and diversity. Goal 6 Business and Environmental Sustainability To be an efficient, effective and sustainable organisation. The six priority areas are: ■■ Culture and Stewardship ■■ Teaching and Learning ■■ Research ■■ People Development ■■ Social and Community Sustainability ■■ Business and Environmental Sustainability 4 1 University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (ULSF) and associated Tailloires Declaration
OUTCOMES AND TARGETS FOR SUSTAINABILITY The following outcome measures are for 2015 and targets are for 2010 Culture and Stewardship 2015 Outcome Measures Recognition as a national leader in sustainability education Develop five strategic partnerships and links within and between the government, industry and the community sectors that will further Swinburne’s sustainability objectives Build a positive sustainability related workplace culture demonstrated in personal accountability (as measured by the PDR process), participation in sustainability activities and engagement (as measured in the staff satisfaction survey) Management planning, practices and policies within Swinburne demonstrate alignment with the Sustainability Vision 2010 Targets ■■ Become a signatory to the international Talloires Declaration 2 ; to facilitate sustainability and initiate one benchmarking activity with another educational institution ■■ Develop and implement a process (including the budget) for investigating, approving and funding appropriate sustainability initiatives at Swinburne ■■ Develop a range of KPIs related to sustainability to be included in the PDR system as part of the Swinburne behaviours as a key performance indicator ■■ Develop and Implement a “Sustainability @ Swinburne” web portal that highlights all the sustainability offerings delivered by Swinburne in the areas of education, research and staff development ■■ Host at least three university wide events annually which facilitate relevant debate and communication between staff and business units thereby encouraging engagement of interested staff ■■ Develop and implement a communication strategy for both internal and external stakeholders which enhances awareness and engagement, promotes sustainability related activities and reports on the University’s progress towards its sustainability objectives ■■ Strategic planning process amended to ensure the sustainability strategy is reflected in all levels of planning to ensure international best practice by 2011 Teaching and Learning Programs 2015 Outcome Measures 100% of programs have sustainability embedded in the learning objectives, content and delivery strategy 2010 Targets ■■ Ensure that the design, delivery and promotion of all Higher Education programs develop appropriate discipline-specific expertise, skills and attributes in our graduates that assist them to contribute to a sustainable future, within the context of their particular professions. This will be undertaken through the normal re-accreditation process of programs ■■ Award the first Vice Chancellor’s Student Award for Sustainable Communities which encourages the sustainability skills and attributes in our graduates 2 The Talloires Declaration is a ten-point action plan for incorporating sustainability and environmental literacy in teaching, research, operations and outreach at colleges and universities worldwide. To date it has been signed by over 400 universities and colleges 5
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