Campus sustainability: climate change, transport and paper reduction

TLDR

Governance structures for sustainability strategy design and implementation are examined, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. The study details the design of campus climate change, transport, and paper reduction strategies at the University of Technology, Sydney. Strategy development relied on desktop research and staff/student consultation to set objectives, targets, and actions. The strategy sets targets to cut emissions by 11 % (2012/13) and 30 % (2020), double walking/cycling commuting to 35 % (2011), reduce paper use by 20 % (2011) and raise recycled paper to 30 %, and demonstrates that stakeholder engagement can drive sustainable university transformation.

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to detail the design of a campus climate change strategy, transport strategy and paper reduction strategy at the University of Technology, Sydney (Australia). Design/methodology/approach The approach to strategy development used desktop research and staff/student consultation to inform the development of objectives, targets and actions for each strategy. The strengths and weaknesses of the governance structures for strategy design and implementation are also discussed. Findings A selection of targets are given here, with further details of objectives and actions in the main text. Climate change: reduce emissions by 11 percent by 2012/2013, 30 percent by 2020. Transport: double the proportion of staff/student commuting trips by walking and cycling to 35 percent by 2011. Paper reduction: by 2011, decrease paper purchased by 20 percent and increasing recycled paper use to 30 percent. The momentum generated by the strategy development shows that it can play a significant role in creating a more sustainable university. Practical implications Practical guidance for universities and organisations undergoing organisational change for sustainability is given with a focus on: how to engage with staff and students to develop shared aspirations and reflect these in tangible objectives, targets and actions; and, how to evolve organisational structures to implement strategies and create a sustainable higher education institution. Originality/value The value of this work lies in the frank reflections on the processes used to engage stakeholders and develop the strategies as well as with the tangible targets and actions presented which will be of interest for other universities seeking to benchmark their own activities.