The University of Otago announced a new plan last week to increase environmentally sustainable practises throughout the institution over the next four years, something it hopes will showcase its “desire to strengthen our efforts towards sustainability, becoming genuinely world class in how we respond as a tertiary institution.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne says achieving the goals starts with ten priority actions this year, to quickly show substantial progress and propel the University forward as a leader.
She is adamant the University’s commitment must be real and measurable, and says she is so passionate about the cause that she created the programme’s slogan slogan: “Boldly Sustainable —Our Promise to the Future.”
The ‘Sustainability Strategic Framework 2017-2021’ outlines 22 specific strategies and activities which aim to create a culture of sustainability “embedded as part of the core ethos” of the University. Some of the bolder goals were a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020, and improve energy efficiency 20 percent over the next eight years, cut landfill waste in half, and eliminate non-renewable energy sources by 2030.
Dr Hillary Phipps, the Manager of the University’s Office of Sustainability, says that particular attention is being paid to the priority actions of establishing clear targets, getting independent analysis and readings of the University’s carbon footprint, monitoring usage to improve energy efficiency, reducing costs, and developing standards for green buildings.
The OUSA affiliated group Students for Environmental Action (SEA) praised the plan, saying in a statement “We congratulate the students and staff who have been working hard over the past few years to let the University know that it’s time to change the conversation about sustainability on campus. It’s good to see the University Council stepping up, given the importance of institutions such as ours in driving positive change. This document and the goals it contains are a great first step to the change we want to see. However, this is only the first step, and we look forward to action being taken to achieve these goals, as more concrete targets and accountability measures are developed.”
The official launch of the plan and further detail about top priorities is expected for mid-May.