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Staff are taking action to improve the sustainability of their workplace as part of the University's Green Building Program, launched in May.

The Sustainable Development section of Facilities Management are working with self-nominated Sustainability Coordinators to reduce the environmental impact and resources consumption of each participating building.

Programs in energy and water use, waste reduction and recycling, paper consumption, responsible purchasing, building ambience and transport will be introduced.

Within a week of its launch participants were already showing leadership with Fiona Maley introducing paper-saving programs at Population Health and Joe Sandon placing reminders to ‘turn off before you take off' around Computer Science and Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Coordinators are also assisting with Sustainable Development's planning and research, with a multitude of suggestions being fielded and Josh McGrane, from the Graduate School of Education, helping to develop a survey of current attitudes and behaviours toward sustainability.

Sustainable Development's project manager, Gordon Walsh said the program offered many benefits to the University.

"We can be environmentally responsible while saving money, improving our image, staying ahead of legislation and boosting staff and student morale," he said.

Mr Walsh said universities are increasingly expected to be leaders in sustainability practices and UWA had the people power to make a big difference.

"With almost 25,000 people coming to the Crawley campus, the University has the weight to make a significant and immediate difference to the health of our environment," he said.

"More importantly, as educators and shapers of tomorrow's community, our stewardship we can make an immeasurable difference to the future of our planet."

For more information on the Green Building Program contact Sustainable Development .

Media references

Janine McDonald (UWA Public Affairs) (+61 8) 6488 5563 / (+61 4) 32 637 716
Trish Howard (Sustainable Development) (+61 8) 6488 7540